Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
‘Rozgar Kranti’ in Action: CM Mann hands 505 mini bus permits to Punjab youth
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 19, 2025: In a major step towards dismantling monopoly in Punjab’s transport sector and empowering youth through self-employment, Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday handed over 505 Mini Bus Permits to unemployed youngsters under the state government’s ‘Rozgar Kranti Scheme’.
Addressing a function at MGSIPA, Sector-26, the Chief Minister termed the initiative a historic milestone and said the scheme marks the beginning of a new era of transparent and inclusive governance.
He informed that since March 2022, the Transport Department has approved 1,165 Small Stage Carriage Permits, out of which 505 were distributed on Friday in a free and fair manner to youth from ordinary families.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, CM Mann said the initiative would strengthen the state’s economy by benefiting allied sectors such as fuel stations, transport operators and service providers. He added that to address transport issues faced by students, especially girls, the government has also introduced dedicated school bus services.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said work has been allotted for recarpeting 43,000 km of roads, including 19,000 km of rural roads, with a mandatory five-year maintenance clause.
CM Mann reiterated that 58,000 government jobs have been provided to youth without corruption, nepotism or political recommendations. He criticised previous regimes for distributing transport permits only among their close associates, turning the sector into a family-run monopoly.
“This exploitative system has now been dismantled by an honest government committed to public welfare,” he said.
Speaking on recently concluded local body elections, the Chief Minister said the polls were conducted in a completely free and fair manner, with several candidates winning by margins of just two or three votes. He added that rural Punjab has voted for development and performance over hollow promises.
To further strengthen public transport, CM Mann announced the induction of 1,311 new buses and said bus stands in Patiala, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Ludhiana and Bathinda are being modernised with world-class facilities. He also announced the launch of a mobile ticket booking app and a shuttle bus service to improve last-mile connectivity.
The Chief Minister said the Cabinet has amended rules to encourage new players in the transport sector, aiming to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.
“Punjab’s youth have immense potential, and our goal is to harness it for economic growth,” he said.
CM Mann also highlighted that 17 toll plazas have been discontinued, saving Punjabis nearly ₹64 lakh daily. He accused previous governments of allowing toll operators to exploit commuters.
On MNREGS, the Chief Minister criticised the Centre for weakening the scheme through new rules and increased financial burden on states. He announced that Punjab would convene a special Vidhan Sabha session in January to safeguard workers’ rights.
Strongly opposing the Agniveer scheme, CM Mann termed it unconstitutional and contrary to the spirit of the Indian Army, stating that Punjab has always led the nation in sacrifice and service. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Punjab’s rights and opposing policies that undermine its interests.