Bathinda: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday announced that if voted to office in Punjab, his party would enact a law ensuring that govt jobs are reserved for Punjabis and that 75% of jobs in the private sector are earmarked for residents of the state.He also challenged chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal to an open debate at any university in Punjab on alleged examination paper irregularities and recruitment of candidates from outside the state for govt jobs.Addressing a youth convention organised by the party’s student wing, the Students Organisation of India (SOI), under its ‘Bhavikh Bachao (Save Future) Morcha’ campaign in Bathinda, Sukhbir alleged that the previous SAD govt had ensured govt jobs were given only to Punjab-domiciled candidates, but the AAP govt reversed the policy.Claiming that a significant share of govt jobs was being secured by candidates from states such as Haryana and Rajasthan, he said an SAD govt in 2027 would restore preference for Punjab’s youth. He said incentives to private industries setting up units in the state would be linked to a condition that at least 75% of jobs be provided to local youth.Referring to a recent recruitment process, Sukhbir alleged that 10 of the 13 selected multipurpose male health workers were from Haryana.Targeting the AAP govt, he alleged that 10 exam papers had “leaked” in Punjab during the last four years and alleged that no significant action had been taken against those responsible. He said the party believes ministers concerned should be removed in cases involving “paper irregularities”.Sukhbir reiterated his challenge to Bhagwant Mann to debate the issues of “paper leaks” and recruitment of “outsiders” in Punjab.He also announced that, if SAD assumes office, 50% seats in educational institutions would be reserved for students from economically weaker sections, with the state govt bearing their educational expenses.During the event, Sukhbir interacted with youth participants and assured them that their concerns would be incorporated into the party’s election manifesto.Avoids query on BJP allianceResponding to questions on a possible SAD-BJP alliance, Sukhbir avoided a direct answer and said his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on Punjab’s issues. “Punjab has many issues, and I met the Prime Minister to urge the Centre to find ways to save the state. The Aam Aadmi Party govt has destroyed Punjab,” he said.
