In a decisive move to curb the exodus of its young talent, the Punjab government has launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating a robust domestic job ecosystem. The state is actively countering the lure of migration to countries like Australia and Canada by generating over one lakh career opportunities within its own borders.
A Multi-Pronged Attack on Youth Migration
The cornerstone of this offensive is a massive expansion of roles across government and private sectors. Since April 2022, the administration has made significant headway, systematically issuing appointment letters for 59,702 permanent government positions. Employment Generation Minister Aman Arora confirmed the success of this multi-sector approach, which spans government jobs, private placements, and self-employment ventures.
The state's efforts extend beyond the public sector. In 2025 alone, specialized recruitment drives have placed 48,912 candidates in private companies through 959 job camps. Furthermore, to foster entrepreneurship, government-backed loan camps have enabled 10,064 young individuals to start their own businesses. The official job portal, PGRKAM, has become a central hub, registering over 22 lakh job seekers and 20,000 employers.
Bridging the Skills Gap with Tech Giants
Recognizing that opportunity must be matched with capability, Punjab is aggressively addressing the skills gap. The Punjab Skill Development Mission has forged strategic partnerships with global technology leaders including Microsoft, IBM, and NASSCOM. These collaborations are designed to prepare the state's graduates for high-tech roles in a globalized economy. In 2025, this initiative has already trained nearly 20,000 candidates for corporate careers.
"Our data is the proof," asserted Minister Aman Arora, challenging the narrative that youth must look abroad for growth. "We are building a self-reliant Punjab where talent is recognised, trained, and retained."
Military Tradition Meets Modern Success
Punjab's proud legacy of military service is also being channeled into contemporary career pathways with remarkable results. State-run preparatory institutes are achieving record-breaking success rates for national defence commissions.
The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) recorded an impressive 82% success rate for the National Defence Academy (NDA), with 17 cadets commissioned as officers this year. In a pioneering step for female leadership, the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute – India's first state-run NDA wing for women – saw 10 cadets selected for officer training and another 74 clear the written entrance examinations.
Additionally, the state's C-PYTE centres have trained 8,017 youths, securing 1,236 placements in the armed and paramilitary forces during the current financial year. This modern resurgence underscores the state's commitment to providing prestigious and patriotic career avenues.
This sweeping offensive marks a pivotal shift in Punjab's economic and social policy. By creating a dense network of opportunities in government, private enterprise, entrepreneurship, and defence, Punjab is sending a clear message to its youth: the future you seek is being built right here at home.
