In a major step to empower youth and strengthen public transport, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday distributed 505 Mini Bus Permits to unemployed youth under the ‘Rozgar Kranti Scheme’. The initiative aims to promote self-employment and reduce monopoly in the transport sector.

The permit distribution event was held at MGSIPA, Sector-26, where CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the scheme marks a historic milestone in Punjab’s efforts to create job opportunities for the youth. “From March 2022 till now, 1,165 Small Stage Carriage Permits have been approved, and today 505 youth are receiving permits under the Small Stage Carriage Permit Scheme in a fair and transparent manner,” he said.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that this move would boost the economy, benefiting petrol pumps, bus operators, and allied sectors. He also mentioned that new school buses have been introduced for girl students to ease their commute. Additionally, the state government has allocated work for recarpeting 43,000 km of roads, including 19,000 km of rural roads, with a five-year maintenance plan.

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CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that 58,000 youths have been given government jobs without corruption or nepotism. He criticized past regimes for issuing permits to select favorites, monopolizing the transport business. “Now, this practice has ended with an honest government committed to the welfare of all,” he added.

Commenting on the recently conducted local body elections, the CM said they were free and fair. “People in rural areas voted for development rather than empty promises, and the opposition has been rejected by voters,” he stated.

To strengthen public transport, CM Mann announced 1,311 new buses and modernisation of bus stands in Patiala, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Ludhiana, and Bathinda. A new mobile app will also be launched to facilitate bus ticket booking, and a shuttle bus service will be introduced to further improve public transport access.

ਅੱਜ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ਸਵੈ-ਰੁਜ਼ਗਾਰ ਤਹਿਤ ਆਮ ਘਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ 600 ਦੇ ਲਗਭਗ ਮਿੰਨੀ ਬੱਸਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਰਮਿਟ ਵੰਡੇ। ਇਹ ਪਰਮਿਟ ਰੀਜਨਲ ਟਰਾਂਸਪੋਰਟ ਅਥਾਰਟੀ ਜਲੰਧਰ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ, ਬਠਿੰਡਾ ਅਤੇ ਫਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ।

ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਪਰਮਿਟ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਲੋੜਵੰਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰੁਜ਼ਗਾਰ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ ਉੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਬੱਸਾਂ ਲਈ… pic.twitter.com/1LzMTGxXBq

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) December 19, 2025

The CM noted that the State Cabinet amended rules to allow new players to enter the transport sector, providing employment opportunities for youth while improving services. “We aim to change the mindset of the youth from job seekers to job givers, boosting the economy and harnessing their immense potential,” he said.

CM Mann also highlighted the discontinuation of 17 toll plazas, saving ₹64 lakh daily for Punjabis. Criticizing the Union Government’s new MNREGA rules, he stated that the state government will convene a special Vidhan Sabha session in January to discuss the financial burden and ensure the scheme’s continuation.

Slamming the Agniveer Scheme, CM Mann described it as unconstitutional and detrimental to the purpose of the Indian Army. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Punjab’s rights and standing against any move that undermines the state’s welfare.