By Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann handed over appointment letters for the prestigious posts of Punjab Civil Services (PCS) and Punjab Police Services (PPS) to 11 athletes, including those who secured a bronze medal in hockey for the country after a hiatus of 40 years. The ceremony, held in the newly inaugurated auditorium at the Chief Minister’s official residence, marked a historic occasion for sports enthusiasts in the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the significance of reviving the glory of hockey, the national game of the country, and expressed pride in the achievements of athletes in cricket and shot put as well. The 11 players, comprising nine hockey players, one cricketer, and one shot put athlete, were awarded PCS and PPS positions.
Among those appointed PPS were hockey players Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Varun Kumar, Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, and shot-put athlete Tejinder Toor. Additionally, four hockey players, Rupinder Pal Singh, Simranjit Singh, Hardik Singh, and Gurjant Singh, were appointed as PCS.
Chief Minister Mann highlighted the positive trend of ‘reverse migration,’ with the youth returning to Punjab for government jobs. He anticipated a similar ‘reverse trend’ in sports, where accomplished players from other states would aspire to join the state government. Mann envisioned Punjab becoming a frontrunner state across various spheres and emphasized the state’s historical contributions to both agriculture and national security. While praising Punjab’s legacy in producing outstanding athletes, Chief Minister Mann expressed regret over the past neglect of sports by his predecessors. He reiterated the government’s commitment to honouring athletes, drawing parallels with the Bharat Ratna award for martyrs, and emphasized the added value of jobs awarded to renowned players.
Chief Minister Mann announced the integration of sports and anti-drug campaigns in the state, allocating a substantial budget for the next fiscal year. He stressed the importance of promoting a sports culture to combat drug-related issues and engage the youth in productive activities. Acknowledging the role of financial assistance, world-class facilities, and infrastructure, Chief Minister Mann reiterated the commitment to providing 100% jobs to players excelling in international events. Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer commended the initiative, foreseeing it as an inspiration for budding players. Expressing gratitude, players, including Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh, lauded the Chief Minister for the direct appointment of PCS players—a first in state history. Harmanpreet Kaur, who was stripped of her Deputy Superintendent of Police rank in 2018 over a fake degree, was reappointed following due diligence and the submission of a valid degree.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s commitment to fostering a sports culture and providing employment opportunities for exceptional athletes reflects a significant step toward the holistic development of Punjab. The state aims to not only excel in sports but also eliminate the curse of drugs and actively contribute to social and economic progress.
