New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- Punjab is seeking to strengthen its position as an education destination while improving government schools and widening employment options for young people, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Sunday. Addressing students at a regional youth festival at Desh Bhagat College in Bararwal village, Dhuri, he said funding would not be allowed to become an obstacle to school upgrades. He also said the state government had provided more than 70,000 government jobs on merit, without bribes or recommendations.

Mann urged young people to focus on education and hard work, adding that the government was working to open multiple career pathways.

The festival drew students from 39 colleges, with 60 activities organised acr...