Talking about the ‘brain drain’ from Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said the state government is committed to creating new opportunities so that the youth should not go to foreign shores in pursuit of their dreams.
Soon, people from foreign countries will come to Punjab to work here, he added.
The CM made this remark while addressing the students of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU) during the first convocation ceremony.
His statement invited sharp reactions from the opposition who said Mann should focus on the state’s issues rather than thinking about “white people” coming to Punjab.
In a video clip shared on his Twitter handle, Mann said despite COVID-19, there’s a possibility of 3 lakh children going abroad in 2022.
Not just our children, Rs 15 lakh per person will also leave the country, said the CM and sought time to create an environment where foreigners come seeking jobs in Punjab.
Citing the higher cost of living in foreign countries, Mann appealed to the youth to not go abroad and instead serve the country by staying back.
Calling for an end to ‘brain drain’, the CM assured everyone that nobody will need to move in search of opportunities.
Responding to this, Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira tweeted a list of issues that the Chief Minister must focus on to “set our house in order” before foreigners approach the state.
“I really hope foreigners approach PB for jobs but before that, we have to set our house in order! Ensure job opportunities for youth, maintain law & order, end corruption, depoliticise police & civil machinery, stop indebted farmers & labourers from committing suicides & a just rule,” he said.
