Punjab Chief Minister Blends Public Outreach with Startup Vision in Dual Events
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took a significant step on Monday by combining direct public engagement with a forward-looking economic agenda. He held a Lok Milni in Jalandhar to address citizens' grievances at the grassroots level. Simultaneously, he inaugurated the state's inaugural Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara.
Lok Milni Focuses on Ground-Level Governance
During the Lok Milni in Jalandhar, CM Mann interacted with people from various Assembly constituencies. He patiently listened to their concerns and directed officials to ensure timely resolutions. The Chief Minister emphasized that such programs help the government understand ground realities. They also assess departmental functioning and ensure welfare schemes reach citizens effectively.
Mann stated that his government's pro-people initiatives are easing burdens on common families. These range from free electricity to healthcare, education reforms, and employment opportunities. He highlighted specific achievements to support this claim.
- Around 90% of households now receive free electricity.
- Over 63,000 youth have secured government jobs through transparent processes.
- Seventeen toll plazas have closed, saving commuters an estimated ₹64 lakh daily.
On healthcare, he noted the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab. These clinics provide free treatment and medicines. Mann also announced the upcoming rollout of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. This scheme will offer cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.
In education, he pointed to the creation of 118 Schools of Eminence. Other measures include free uniforms, free bus services for girls, and special coaching for competitive exams. Students from government schools have shown strong performance in exams like JEE and NEET. This has drawn national appreciation for the state's reforms.
The Chief Minister reiterated his long-term vision to build a "Rangla Punjab" through continuous public engagement and people-centric governance. Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and other dignitaries attended the Lok Milni.
Startup Conclave 2026 Champions Youth Entrepreneurship
Earlier in the day at Phagwara, CM Mann inaugurated the first Startup Punjab Conclave 2026. The Department of Industries and Commerce organized this event. Mann called innovation and hard work the backbone of startup success. He asserted that Punjab's future lies in entrepreneurship rather than job hunting. The Chief Minister urged the youth to become job creators instead of job seekers.
More than 100 startups participated in the conclave. Investors, incubators, industry leaders, academic experts, and policymakers also joined. This reflects the growing momentum of innovation-led growth in Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, CM Mann said the government's clear objective is to transform Punjab's youth from job seekers into job givers. He introduced "Update and Create" as the new mantra for youth-led growth and innovation. Mann assured full institutional support for every genuine business idea.
"There is no dearth of talent or ideas in Punjab," he declared. "The government will stand firmly with every innovator who wants to build something new."
The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjabis are natural entrepreneurs with proven global capabilities. Referring to his recent visit to Japan, he said nations progress with a clear vision for the future. He urged Punjab's youth to adopt a forward-looking mindset, discipline, and commitment to hard work.
As part of the conclave, the state government distributed incentive cheques to eight startups. Seven startups received Rs 3 lakh each as seed grants. One startup received Rs 1.20 lakh as lease rental assistance.
These dual initiatives underscore CM Mann's strategy to strengthen governance through direct outreach while fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The events signal a concerted push to position Punjab as a hub for innovation and responsive administration.
