Since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took office in Punjab in 2022, employment and economic management have become central topics of debate. During the election campaign, party chief Arvind Kejriwal promised that Punjab had sufficient funds to implement ambitious welfare programs, including free electricity, cash support for women, and large-scale job creation. These assurances gave the impression that the state could simultaneously improve public services and generate employment without increasing fiscal stress. However, once in office, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his government have repeatedly cited financial constraints and debt as major hurdles, revealing a stark contrast between pre-election rhetoric and post-election reality.
Job creation has been a particularly sensitive issue. Kejriwal’s campaign promised large-scale employment for the youth, yet the Mann government initially struggled to meet these expectations. In response, CM Mann launched initiatives such as “Mission Rozgar,” aiming to fill thousands of government vacancies, regularize temporary staff, and align teacher salaries with the Seventh Pay Commission. By 2025, over 51,000 positions had been created, with another 50,000 planned. While these figures demonstrate progress, critics argue that the need to appeal for central assistance and prioritize spending on a limited number of programs highlights the gap between pre-election claims of ample resources and the fiscal reality of governing a debt-laden state.
Punjab’s economic challenges extend beyond employment. The state continues to face significant debt, estimated at around ₹2.8 lakh crore, which constrains its ability to expand welfare schemes or invest in infrastructure. Initiatives such as providing 300 units of free electricity per household, while partially implemented, have created ongoing fiscal pressure, forcing the government to prioritize limited resources and reconsider inclusivity in subsidy distribution. Analysts suggest that while these programs are beneficial for citizens, they underscore the difficulty of balancing ambitious electoral promises with financial sustainability.
Other sectors, including education and healthcare, reflect similar contradictions. Kejriwal promised a “Delhi model” transformation of schools and hospitals, implying world-class infrastructure funded without burdening the state. In practice, only partial improvements have been delivered, such as the establishment of “Aam Aadmi Clinics” and selective school upgrades. CM Mann has highlighted the need for special packages from the Centre, acknowledging that Punjab cannot independently fund all promised initiatives. This reveals a pragmatic shift from pre-election rhetoric to governance realities, demonstrating the complexities of fiscal management in a state with existing economic pressures.
In conclusion, while the AAP government in Punjab has taken steps toward fulfilling promises related to jobs, electricity, and welfare, the contrast between pre-election assurances and post-election fiscal constraints has generated skepticism. The initial narrative of abundant funds and effortless governance has given way to an acknowledgment of debt, limited resources, and the necessity of external support. For Punjabis, the challenge remains to balance hope and trust with the realities of managing a financially stressed state, making the question of sustainable development and employment a key point of political scrutiny.