Lok Milni to start-up conclave: How Mann strengthened outreach

Calling innovation and hard work the backbone of startup success, the Chief Minister asserted that Punjab’s future lies in entrepreneurship rather than job hunting and urged the youth to become job creators. (file)

Reinforcing a governance model that combines direct public outreach with future-ready economic vision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday held a Lok Milni in Jalandhar to address citizens’ grievances at the grassroots, while also inaugurating the state’s first Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara.

During the Lok Milni in Jalandhar, the Chief Minister interacted with people from various Assembly constituencies, patiently listening to their grievances and directing officials to ensure time-bound resolution. He said such programmes help the government understand ground realities, assess the functioning of departments, and ensure that benefits of welfare schemes reach citizens effectively.

CM Mann said the state government’s sustained pro-people initiatives—ranging from free electricity to healthcare, education reforms, and employment—are easing the burden on common families and setting Punjab on the path to reclaim its position as a frontrunner state. He noted that around 90 per cent of households are receiving free electricity, over 63,000 youth have been provided government jobs through a transparent process, and 17 toll plazas have been closed, saving commuters an estimated ₹64 lakh daily.

On healthcare, he highlighted the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, providing free treatment and medicines, and announced that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna offering cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh will be rolled out soon. In education, he pointed to the setting up of 118 Schools of Eminence, free uniforms, free bus services for girls, and special coaching for competitive examinations. He added that students from government schools have shown strong performance in exams such as JEE and NEET, drawing national appreciation for the reforms.

The Chief Minister said the long-term vision of his government is to build a “Rangla Punjab” through continuous public engagement and people-centric governance. Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and other dignitaries were present at the Lok Milni.

Earlier in the day at Phagwara, CM Mann inaugurated the state’s first Startup Punjab Conclave 2026, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce.

More than 100 startups, along with investors, incubators, industry leaders, academic experts, and policymakers, participated in the event, reflecting the increasing momentum of innovation-led growth in the state.

Addressing the gathering, CM Mann said the government’s clear objective is to transform Punjab’s youth from job seekers into job givers. He introduced “Update and Create” as the new mantra for youth-led growth and innovation, assuring full institutional support to every genuine business idea. “There is no dearth of talent or ideas in Punjab. The government will stand firmly with every innovator who wants to build something new,” he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjabis are natural entrepreneurs who have proven their capabilities globally. Referring to his recent visit to Japan, he said that nations progress with a clear vision for the future and urged Punjab’s youth to adopt a forward-looking mindset, discipline, and commitment to hard work. As part of the conclave, the state government distributed incentive cheques to eight startups, with seven startups receiving Rs 3 lakh each as seed grants and one startup receiving Rs 1.20 lakh as lease rental assistance.