Chandigarh: Punjab Assembly opened its doors for students today. This will give the youth an opportunity to learn how laws are made, how budgets are passed and how elected representatives are held accountable. Interacting with the students of Guru Gobind Singh International School, Faridkot, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inspired them to dream big and achieve their goals through honesty and hard work. He said that the future should be determined on the basis of skills and qualifications and not on the basis of reach or recommendations. He also informed about the government's commitment towards merit-based recruitment and providing health insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh to eligible families under 'Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana'.
Youth is the biggest strength of Punjab
While interacting with the students of Guru Gobind Singh International School, Faridkot in the Punjab Assembly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Youth are the biggest strength of Punjab. Providing them inspiration, opportunities and progressive environment is extremely important to build a bright future of Punjab. Never let temporary obstacles weaken your resolve. The real measure of success is not where you come from, but with how much honesty, hard work and determination you try to achieve your goals."
"Obstacles are not the end of the journey": Chief Minister told the story of his defeat
Sharing experiences from his personal life, the Chief Minister encouraged the students aspiring to join civil services and become lawyers and doctors to start working hard today instead of waiting for the right time.
Former President Dr. A.P.J. Referring to Abdul Kalam's statement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded the students, "Real dreams are those that inspire a person to keep striving even when the world sleeps. Don't be discouraged by test results or initial failures. I myself lost my first election, but I continued to work with determination. Obstacles are not the end of the journey, rather they are opportunities to learn, improve and come back stronger."
Assembly is the people's institution
Explaining the importance of the Punjab Assembly, the Chief Minister informed the students about the functioning of the highest legislative body of the state. He said, "Bills are introduced in the Assembly, debated and passed as laws. The state budget is also approved from here. Institutions like Assembly belong to the people. Young citizens must understand how democracy works, how decisions affecting their lives are made and how public representatives are accountable to the people."
Recalling his interest in parliamentary proceedings since childhood, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann recounted how he had invited students to Parliament during his tenure as MP, so that they could closely observe the working of democratic institutions.
Now there is no recommendation, job is based on merit
The Chief Minister said, "My government is committed to building a Punjab where the youth can realize their dreams on the basis of their skills and hard work instead of recommendations or influence."
Emphasizing on the changes in the government recruitment process, he said, "Now government jobs in Punjab are being given on the basis of merit, due to which qualified candidates are getting equal opportunity to serve the state. Every young person, regardless of their background, must believe that hard work, ability and determination can open the way to a better future."
Health insurance cover up to Rs 10 lakh
Highlighting his government's commitment towards public welfare, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann informed the students about 'Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana'. Under this scheme, health insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh is being given to eligible families.
He said, "Providing better access to health services is an important part of ensuring that families are not forced to compromise on treatment due to financial constraints."
The Chief Minister said that his government is working to make essential services more accessible and improve the standard of living of the people of the state.
Inspiring the students to set clear goals and achieve them with complete honesty, discipline and dedication, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Success comes to those who remain true to their responsibilities and continue to work hard even when the going gets tough. Honest hard work never goes in vain. Students should dream without fear, work without excuses and achieve success without compromising their values."
Speaker of Punjab Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.