Amritsar, March 8 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the state will set up Brainstorming Centers in Amritsar and Mohali, inspired by Munich’s Speakers Platform, to encourage students to share and develop business ideas.
Speaking at Khalsa College on International Women’s Day, Mann said the initiative aligns with the Business Blasters program, which promotes entrepreneurship at the school level. “We have already provided ₹11 crore to students to support their ideas,” he said, underlining the need for a structured platform to foster innovation.
During his speech, Mann recognized the achievements of women and referenced the respect given to them by Sikh Gurus. He also raised concerns about social issues such as female feticide, noting that women have made significant strides in professions once dominated by men.
Mann accentuated Punjab’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sectors like law enforcement, agriculture, and finance to improve efficiency and transparency.
Urging students to embrace digital advancements, he said Punjab is committed to becoming a leader in technological innovation with a strong emphasis on vocational education and skill development.
“Education should not just be about earning degrees; it should equip students with the skills to build careers and contribute to society,” Mann said.
He also pointed out the growing presence of women in leadership roles, mentioning the appointment of 11 women MLAs, eight Deputy Commissioners, three Senior Superintendents of Police, one Police Commissioner, and seven department Secretaries.
Additionally, Mann announced that Punjab will be the first state to introduce women in the fire brigade, citing the arrival of advanced firefighting vehicles designed for narrow lanes and high-rise buildings.
“This step is essential for modernizing emergency response services,” he stated.
