Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave a clarion to Punjabis for launching a crusade to check the environmental pollution and preserve the natural resources in the state on lines of the teachings of great Guru sahiban.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling national tri-colour, during the state level function to mark Independence Day here at local Guru Gobind Singh stadium here today, the Chief Minister recalled the immense contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. He said that Punjabis had made maximum sacrifices during the national freedom struggle adding that more than 80% of the persons who attained martyrdom during the struggle or were exiled hailed from Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the heroic gems like Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani and several others shed every drop of their blood to achieve the ultimate goal of Independence.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that Punjabis have also played a vanguard role in preserving the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country in the post-independence era too. He also said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state acted as a pivot for heralding an era of green revolution in the country thereby making the country self-sufficient in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabi farmers had to pay a heavy price for it by over exploitation of only natural resources of the state in terms of water and fertile soil.
The Chief Minister said that due to Punjabi food growers, the country is today exporting the grains to other countries in sharp contrast to early 1960s when we were dependent for grains on other countries. He said that the country can progress only if Punjab is prosperous and on the path of development. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that checking environmental pollution is a serious challenge these days and all the Punjabis should play a proactive role in it.
Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. He said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that we have to launch a mass movement for safeguarding our environment so that it can be saved for our coming generations adding that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause and Punjab will soon be a clean, green and pollution free state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a crackdown against menace of drugs by adopting a zero tolerance policy against it. He said that so far 14381 drug peddlers have been put behind the bars and 10,393 FIRs have been launched against them adding that properties worth Rs 173 crore belonging to 379 drug smugglers have been confiscated and more are in process. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that the conviction rate against drug peddlers is 83%.
Listing the pro-people and development oriented schemes launched by the state government, the Chief Minister said that his government has laid special focus on rejuvenation of the canal water system in the state adding that when his government had assumed the charge only 21% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 72% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has ensured availability of canal water to farmers at the tail ends, who were deprived of this for decades, on one hand and saving the precious ground water on the other.
The Chief Minister further said that for the first time in the post-independence era his government has started the work for construction of Malwa canal in the state, which will be lifeline of Malwa region, adding that it is on record that none of the previous governments of the state had paid heed towards this necessity of the state. He said that around 150 kilometre long this new canal will usher a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity in the state especially in Malwa region. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will spend around Rs 2300 crore on this prestigious project that will cater to irrigational needs of nearly two lakh acres of fertile land of the state.
The Chief Minister further said that New Kandi Canal is being constructed which is likely to benefit 11,000 acres of land adding that 206 MegaWatt Dam is being established at Dhar Kalan. He said that this dam will be dedicated to the people in the coming days for which the entire process has been completed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is witnessing unprecedented development and progress in every arena and this process is gaining momentum with every passing moment.
The Chief Minister said that state Government has launched a new scheme “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar” to provide services to the citizens at their door-step on demand. He said that under the scheme, 43 citizen services have been identified which constitute more than 99% of the daily administrative works of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that camps are being held all over the State to provide services to the citizens in their village have been launched adding that lakhs of citizens visit the camps to take the benefit of the availability of services at their places of residence.
The Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the Mohali International Airport has already been named after legendary martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from it a 35 feet statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will be installed at the road leading to the airport on coming September 28. He said that the state government has already sent a resolution to request the Government of India (GOI) to name the upcoming International Airport at Indian Air force Station Halwara, Ludhiana as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport.
The Chief Minister said that Aam Aadmi clinics have revolutionized the health care sector in the state. He said that more than 2 crore people have taken the benefits of these clinics in the state and more than 95% of patients visiting these clinics daily recover from their ailments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ever since the starting of these clinics have witnessed a huge footfall indicating that every third person of the state has taken benefit from these clinics.
The Chief Minister further said that the Punjab Government has started “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” to improve infrastructure in all Government schools. He said that the state Government is committed to make 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools as Schools of Eminence, equipped with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs and playgrounds for scientific learning. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that quality education will help in enabling the students to excel in life and compete in several national and international events.
The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government had launched the guarantee to provide free power to the people in 2022. He said that since then 90% of the households in the state are getting free power and have got zero power bills. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it is also a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that along with domestic consumers, the food growers of the country are also getting free and uninterrupted power in the state.
The Chief Minister said that state Government has launched the first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the State and National Highways. He said that specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel are acting as the backbone to this force, who have been provided with latest, fully equipped 144 vehicles and since its launch in February this year this force has saved around 1300 lives in road accidents besides returning the valuables and money of people worth Rs 90 lakh, who get injured during road accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that force has been deployed all along 4200 km of the Highways, prone to traffic accidents adding that in addition to patrolling in the assigned areas, they act as a deterrent for traffic violations and more.
The Chief Minister said that the state Government had notified the State’s new Sports Policy in 2023 to restore Punjab’s glory in the field of sports . He said that the players from the state have now performed extremely well in the Paris Olympics which is the result of this new innovative Sports policy and it is a matter of immense pride that 10 players in the Bronze medal winner Indian Hockey squad were from Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the third edition of Kheda Watan Punjab Dian will kick off from August 28, which will further give a major boost to sporting activity in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has so far handed over appointment letters to 44,667 youth in various departments. He said that this recruitment has been purely done on merit by adopting a completely transparent process. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here.
Earlier, the Chief Minister took the salute during an impressive march past by the contingents of CRPF, Punjab Police (men and women), Punjab Home Guards, NCC, PAP Pipe and Brass Band led by the parade Commander Vaibhav Chaudhary IPS.
On the occasion, seven tableaus showcasing contribution of BSF, School of Eminence, achievements in Power sector (PSPCL), Aam Aadmi Clinics (Health department), Sarkaar Tuhade Dwaar, Rangla Punjab and CM Di Yogshala also graced the event.
Earlier, a colourful variety programme comprising CM di Yogshala, tent pegging, variety program by school students, Gatka, Giddha, Bhangra and other traditional folk dances performed by the school and college students enthralled the audience.
The Chief Minister also honoured two freedom fighters namely Prem Sagar and Dev Brat Sharma along with family members of martyr soldiers. Bhagwant Singh Mann also distributed sewing machines to the needy women and tricycles to physically challenged persons.
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