For the youth of Punjab, going abroad for a long time was considered a symbol of success. Canadian, Australia and America were eyeing the youth and long queues outside passports and visa offices testified. This trend gave rise to the problem of ‘brain drain’ or talent migration in Punjab. But after the Bhagwant Maan government came to power, there was a big change in this direction. His government encouraged the concept of ‘return return’, which is not only a government scheme, but a symbol of the thinking of the youth to bring back the lost trust.
According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, on an average, about 1,978 passports were filed in Punjab, which is the lowest number in the last several years. The main reason for this is Bhagwant Maan Sarkar’s youth-focused policies and distribution of more than 50,000 government jobs. The Aam Aadmi Party had given the slogan of ‘Return return’ before coming to power and now it has been converted into reality. 3.5 lakh passports have been made during this period. If this speed continues, then by the end of the year this number can reach about 7.5 lakhs. This is believed to be the biggest decline in the last ten years.
Man government has provided employment opportunities to the youth under this initiative. More than 50,000 government jobs have been given without any recommendation or transparency of bribery, which has increased the confidence of the youth on the government system. Along with this, private investors and industrialists have been attracted to invest in the state through the ‘Invest Punjab’ scheme. Polycops and other big brands are now setting up their plants in Punjab, which has created new employment opportunities in the private sector as well.
The emotional side of ‘return return’ is also deep. The Maan Sarkar started initiatives like ‘NRI Milli’ and special desk for the NRI (NRI) community, which gave them the message that the government is with them. This not only increased economic investment, but also strengthened the confidence of NRI youth returning to Punjab and contributing to the development of the state.
While entering politics in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party kept the issues of youth in the mainstream. His slogan was: ‘Corruption will end and youth will get employment.’ Bhagwant Maan Sarkar proved that promises are not only to win elections, but also to fulfill. Ankush on transparency and corruption in government jobs raised the trust of the youth.
The direct impact of these efforts is visible on the thinking of the youth. Those who were thinking of going abroad earlier, are now moving towards making their career in Punjab. ‘Return of the country’ is not only the story of the youth who returned abroad, but also of the youth who decided to stay in Punjab itself. This initiative is an important step towards bringing back the lost pride of Punjab and strengthening the process of ‘reverse migration’ in the state.
Bhagwant Maan Sarkar not only motivated the youth to return, but also revived their dreams and trust. It is laying the foundation of a new and golden future for Punjab and an attempt to redefine the state’s identity. The youth are now considering working in their soil and living among their people.
