Reiterates commitment to ensure progress of Punjab
Slams Opposition for Hindering Punjab’s Development
Says opposition misleading the people in dearth of any issue
Gives bonanza worth Rs 20.61 crore to the Lehra assembly segment
Lehra, October 4
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday lambasted the Opposition for creating hurdles in the state’s progress for their vested political interests.
The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering after dedicating slew of development projects here today, said that the leaders of opposition parties have myopic mindset towards Punjab and its people. Targeting Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, he said that the Congress leader is making desperate attempts to defame the government but has failed miserably in dearth of any concrete issue.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Opposition leaders are eyeing a return to the Chief Minister’s House in Chandigarh, but their fate is sealed because they have consistently ignored the aspirations of the people.
Recalling his earlier days as an artist attending Opposition rallies, the Chief Minister said that he is well aware of their misdeeds and is now revealing the truth by exposing their sins of the past. He said that the wise people of the state have already ousted these political leaders for their sins and they will never forgive them. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that these leaders have backstabbed the state and its people adding that they are paying for their sins.
Highlighting the achievements of his government, the Chief Minister stated that govt jobs are being given to youth strictly on a merit basis, breaking the cycle of migration to other countries and instilling hope in the young generation. He emphasised that Punjab is a blessed land adding that the government is resolving long-pending issues of the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is working untiringly for the progress and development of the state and prosperity of its people.
Underlining his commitment to education, the Chief Minister announced the setting up of new libraries and colleges in villages to ensure quality education for rural youth. “I am now repaying the debts of people’s love,” he remarked, countering past claims by former ministers that the state exchequer was empty. Bhagwant Singh Mann further informed about multiple welfare schemes rolled out for SC communities, farm labourers, and other marginalized sections.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government has embarked on a major project to repair and upgrade 19,491.56 kilometre rural link roads in the state at a cost of Rs 4,150.42 crore. He said that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other adding that he has asked the Punjab Mandi Board and PWD to ensure high quality of the work besides ensuring that every penny allocated for that project was invested in a justified manner.
The Chief Minister said that the introduction of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) has reduced road accident mortality in Punjab by 48–49 percent. He said that the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has lauded this initiative of the state government and has urged other states to replicate it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this first of its kind initiative taken by the state government is a milestone in the history of the state.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the new office complex of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Lehragaga. He said that the complex will have built-up area of 10,000 square feet and will be spread over 2.34 acres of land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that total cost of the complex will be Rs. 4.69 crore and the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The Chief Minister said that complex will house two sub-divisional offices (Urban Lehragaga and Rural Lehragaga) and a complaint center, aimed at providing better services to the local residents. Previously, he said that one PSPCL office operated from a very old building and another from a rented facility, which caused significant difficulties in public services and administrative work. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now people will be able to access multiple electricity-related services under one roof adding that the Punjab Government is providing 600 units of free electricity to every household, benefiting about 90% of families in the state who now receive zero electricity bills.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab has made history by purchasing the Goindwal Power Plant, previously owned by private company GVK Power. He said that this is the first time a government has bought a privately-owned property and the plant has been named after the Third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann also laid the foundation stone of a new Tehsil Complex in Lehragaga adding that the project will cost Rs. 15.92 crore.
The Chief Minister said that the project is expected to be completed before July 30, 2026 and the covered area of the building will be 51,881 square feet. He said that the complex will include the SDM office, Sub-Registrar office, Staff rooms, Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar offices, Treasury office, Labour Inspector office, Food Supply office and other facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Residents will be able to access all government services under one roof.
The Chief Minister also visited Aap Ki Rasoi’ by Saurabh Goel Foundation where Social worker Gaurav Goel and his team from the Saurabh Goel Foundation have initiated a unique effort. The aim is to ensure no person sleeps hungry as Under ‘Aap Ki Rasoi’, simple and nutritious meals are provided for just Rs. 10 per plate. Currently, around 250 people daily, including children, elderly, and youth, eat meals here and the foundation members themselves take interest in preparing and serving the food.
Hailing the initiative, the Chief Minister said that This is a significant initiative, especially for daily wage laborers who can now get a full meal for Rs. 10 adding that Other organizations should also take inspiration and initiate such noble efforts. He also inaugurated a New Hall at Saurabh Complex, which already is a major facility for the local population and this new hall will further ease the hosting of social events and meetings. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in this hall people can hold social, religious, and other events at very low cost and no fee is charged from poor and needy people. Pertinently, the complex is named in memory of Saurabh Goel, a young and kind-hearted social worker, and the son of Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goel.
Blessing newly-wedded couples at an event, the Chief Minister said that a successful marital life is founded on mutual trust and balance. He also distributed cheques as Shagun to newly wed couples, reaffirming the government’s dedication to the welfare of all citizens.
In this ocassion Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Barinder Goyal and Hardeep Singh Mundian were present.
