Patiala: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has vowed to crush the forces inimical to the state and foil their conspiracies for disturbing peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and amity in the state.
CM Mann was addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tricolor flag during a function to commemorate 76th Republic Day at local Polo Ground.
Maintaining the hard earned peace in the state is the first and foremost priority for his government, he said warning that no one will be allowed to disturb it. He solicited fulsome support and cooperation of the people in foiling any conspiracy to derail peace, progress and prosperity of the state.
Indians especially the Punjabis have thwarted every attempt aimed at endangering the hard earned sovereignty of the country. Apart from safeguarding the country during wars in 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil war our brave patriots have made supreme sacrifices to protect the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.
However, in last more than seven decades since independence, Punjab had to suffer in inexplicable discrimination from the governments at the Centre in the form of regressive and ruinous policies. It is unfortunate that the food growers, who made the country self reliant in food production have been forced to agitate on this day too due to the apathetic attitude of the central government, he alleged.
On the occasion, CM Mann said the Centre should accept the demands of the food growers and stop the step motherly treatment towards Punjab and its hard working people. Citing an example of this alleged indifferent attitude towards Punjab, he said the Centre had not released the state’s pending share of RDF worth Rs 5500 crore.
Listing the achievements, the Chief Minister mentioned the rate of sugarcane being given to the state’s farmers which is the highest in the country.
In another first in the country, last year his government launched a dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) deployed to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the state and national highways. Since launch, the SSF saved 48% of lives in road accidents.
To provide quality healthcare services to people, the state government has set up More than 2.70 crore people availed free of cost benefits at 881 Aam Aadmi clinics across Punjab.
The guarantee given to the people in 2022 to provide free power has been fulfilled. As of now 90% of the households in the state are getting free power and have got zero power bills.
After assuming the charge of office in March 2022 and within a few months he got coal supply from Pachwara coal mines resumed, he said adding doing so the state created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to turn 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools as Schools of Eminence, equipped with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs and playgrounds for scientific learning. Due to the efforts of the state government, the enrolment in government schools has increased by about 17% in pre-primary classes.
To upscale the expertise of the teachers, a special program was launched. Under this, teachers and Principals are being sent abroad for training to equip them with modern teaching practices.
He said it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 75% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. It became possible because his government ensured availability of canal water to farmers at the tail ends after decades.
Similarly, in a major citizen-centric initiative, the state government has launched a new scheme namely Door-Step Delivery of Services to the citizens under “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar”. Under the scheme, 43 citizen services have been identified which constitute more than 99% of the daily administrative works.
About boost to the investment and industrial infrastructure in the state, he said an investment of more than Rs 85,000 crore has come into the state with potential generation of about 3.50 lakh employment opportunities by leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others.
The state government has also introduced Green stamp paper in the registration of sale deeds to ensure faster and smooth issuance of regulatory clearances to industry projects.
More than 50,000 government jobs have been given so far to youth of the state, he said as counting of the achievements went on.
Earlier, the CM inspected the parade led by parade commander Vaneet Ahlawat, IPS. He also took a salute from an impressive march past by the contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, Punjab Police, ITBP, NCC Girls and Boys, Red Cross besides the Punjab Police Brass band.
On the occasion, the students of various local schools presented a colorful variety program imbued in patriotic fervor including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show and group singing.
CM Mann also felicitated freedom fighters and their kin in recognition of their valuable contribution in the freedom struggle of the country. He also gave away tricycles to the physically challenged and sewing machines to the poor and needy women. A series of Tableaux depicting the overall development of the state, especially the district administration was also the star of attraction.
