The Fact News Service
Dhuri (Sangrur), July 21
Slamming the BJP leaders for creating unnecessary obstacles in developmental projects of state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on a Sunday warned these leaders to refrain from such cheap tactics to jeopardize development in the state.
Addressing the gathering after distributing funds worth Rs 3.07 crore for development works in Dhuri assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the Ministry of Railways had approved Railway Over Bridge for the city the payment for which is to be made by the state government. However, he said that a senior leader of BJP from the state, visited the city, and issued a statement to scuttle the project for his vested political interests. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such type of theatricals will not be tolerated and the wise people of Punjab will teach a befitting lesson to such political leaders.
The Chief Minister announced that the work for this ROB will commence soon as he will personally take up this matter with the Union Railway Minister. He also announced that the state government will also construct an ultra modern sports stadium at Dhuri. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that work on construction of the Medical College at Sangrur will also commence soon thereby acting as a catalyst for imparting quality health services to the people.
In a major push for youth empowerment, the Chief Minister said that the state government is setting up eight UPSC coaching centers across Punjab adding that one such center will be set up in Dhuri. He said that these centers will be equipped with libraries, hostels, and other essential facilities to provide quality training for national-level competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that these initiatives will ensure Punjab’s youth are well-prepared to excel at the national stage.
Talking about Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, the Chief Minister said that this campaign started by the state government is producing desired results. He said that those who want to see the big fish involved in this heinous trade can visit the Nabha Jail to have their glance. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that anyone involved in this crime against humanity will not be spared and exemplary action will be taken against them as per rule of law.
The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are a devil’s workshop, the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady and so far around 55,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth.
The Chief Minister said that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun in a full-fledged manner. He said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars adding that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed adding that this noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has taken path breaking initiatives for the well being of every section of society. He said that in the coming days more decisions will be taken to give impetus to the trade and economic activity in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these decisions are aimed at ensuring the expansion of the already existing industrial units besides facilitating the new industry to come to the state.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to curbing sacrilege, the Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, in the Vidhan Sabha. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this sensitive and critical issue affects all Punjabis and has far-reaching implications for both present and future generations. He asserted that stringent punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent against such crimes in the future.
The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation but today that number has risen to 63%. He said that due to the concerted efforts of the Punjab government for the first time the water of canals and rivers have reached the villages in the tail end of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann also mentioned that his government successfully safeguarded Punjab’s water resources from being diverted to other states.
The Chief Minister announced that Punjab has launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (Road Safety Force) to enhance highway safety. He said that the force has specially recruited and trained personnel, including women, and is equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force has been working very effectively adding that several states and even the Government of India have commended this initiative.
Highlighting another major welfare initiative, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. He proudly stated that Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which will significantly ease the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this historic move is aimed at providing universal health care to all the families of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has passed the historic ‘One MLA, One Pension’ bill which stipulates that each MLA will get only a single pension, instead of the earlier provision of permitting multiple pensions for every term. He said that Since the launch of free power guarantee in 2022, 90% of households are receiving free electricity and have zero bills, significantly easing the financial burden on families. Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted that, in addition to domestic consumers, farmers are receiving free and uninterrupted power, ensuring their vital role in the economy is supported.
The Chief Minister also said that as the state government had advanced the dates of paddy transplantation in the state so he had urged the Union government to prepone the procurement of paddy by 15 days. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had called the Union Food Minister and urged that now the procurement of paddy must start from September 15 so that the farmers of the state can sell their in a smooth and hassle free manner. He said that this will enable the farmers to bring moisture free grains in the Mandis thereby ensuring their smooth procurement.
