BATHINDA: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is making strenuous efforts to restore the pristine glory of the state in every field, asserting that Punjab is once again moving towards vibrancy and holistic development.
Addressing a gathering during the Virasati Mela, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to the negligence of previous regimes, such fairs, which were an integral part of the state’s culture, had stopped. “However, now Punjab is on a path of vibrancy as everyday new colors are being added by the state government in every field. Punjab has fallen many times, but it has risen again and again, and it is heartening that today, the vibrant colors of a Rangla Punjab are visible once again, ” he stated.
The Chief Minister said that the glorious cultural heritage of the state will be preserved at all costs, adding that the Punjab Government is already making concerted efforts in this direction. “The performances of Giddha and Bhangra at heritage fairs reflect the true spirit of Punjab. I had a desire to attend the fair in Bathinda, as this is an effort to connect our children with their heritage and culture, ” he noted. Highlighting governance initiatives, he added, “Pro-people and development-oriented schemes in Punjab are improving the lives of people, as government jobs are being given to youth on merit and canal water is reaching even the villages on the tail-ends of the state.”
The Chief Minister said that a major boost has been given to the utilization of canal water, adding that water has even been lifted to the sand dunes of Bathinda, while massive upgradation of infrastructure is underway across every nook and corner of Punjab. “In another significant step, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched to provide cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for all 65 lakh families in the state. Income conditions have been removed under this scheme, and now even government employees and pensioners have been included under it, ” he said.
Emphasising healthcare and power sector reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, and 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment daily.” He further added, “Since the AAP Government assumed charge in 2022, around 90% households in the state are receiving free electricity. For the first time in the history of the state, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power was supplied to farm tube wells during the paddy season, that too in the daytime.”