He added that the previous system had allowed a few entities to dominate the business.
Punjab CM Mann Hands Over 505 Bus Permits to Youth, Promises End of Big Player Monopoly in Transport
Under the state government’s flagship ‘Rozgar Kranti Scheme’, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann handed over 505 minibus permits to unemployed youth on Friday. He said that the initiative will break the monopoly held by politically connected big players in the transport sector.
Mann addressed beneficiaries at a function held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) and said that the transport department had approved 1,165 Small Stage Carriage Permits since March 2022, and the 505 permits distributed today were given in a free and transparent manner to young people from ordinary families without corruption, nepotism, or recommendations.
The Chief Minister emphasised that “the move will end the monopoly of big players in the transport sector” and asserted that under previous regimes, permits were issued only to those related to the ruling leaders. He added that the previous system had allowed a few entities to dominate the business, leading to centralisation and collapse of fair competition.
Mann congratulated the young people and said the self-employment initiative would improve the economy, benefiting petrol pump operators, bus operators, and other allied sectors. He also said that earlier a lack of buses had caused problems for students, but the state government had now started dedicated school buses for girls.
The CM also announced that the government has allotted work to recarpet 43,000 km of roads, including 19,000 km of rural roads with a five-year maintenance condition. Officials said he also revealed plans for 1,311 new buses to strengthen public transport, modern facilities at major bus stations in Patiala, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Ludhiana, and Bathinda, and a new mobile app for bus ticket booking.
Mann said the state cabinet had amended rules to make it easier for new players to get permits and other facilities, reinforcing his government’s commitment to turning Punjab’s youth into job givers rather than job seekers.
Source: Hindustan Times
