Punjab regaining vibrancy through development and cultural revival: CM Bhagwant Mann

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, an integral part of the state’s culture, had ceased to be held.

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“However, Punjab is now on a path of vibrancy, with new colours being added every day by the state government across sectors. Punjab has fallen many times, but it has risen again and again, and it is heartening that today the vibrant hues of a ‘Rangla Punjab’ are visible once again,” he stated.

The Chief Minister said that the glorious cultural heritage of the state would be preserved at all costs, adding that the Punjab Government is already making concerted efforts in this direction.

“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 are improving lives, with government jobs being given to youth on merit and canal water reaching even the tail-end villages of the state.”

The Chief Minister said that a major boost has been given to the utilisation 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 of up to ₹10 lakh to all 65 lakh families in the state. Income criteria have been removed under this scheme, and even government employees and pensioners are now covered,” 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 office in 2022, around 90% of households are receiving free electricity. For the first time in the state’s history, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply was provided to farm tube wells during the paddy season, that too during daytime.”

Underscoring the importance of sports in tackling social challenges, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the government’s crusade against drugs, and we are leaving no stone unturned in this regard. Youth engaged in sports have no time to indulge in drugs, as they remain focused on excelling in their respective fields.”

He added, “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is organised every year to provide a platform for players to showcase their talent.”

He further stated, “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian was also held in Bathinda, and it is heartening that three generations participated together. The AAP Government is building new sports grounds so that youth stay away from drugs and other social evils. These games have helped identify the strengths and weaknesses of players, which will help groom them for national and international events.”

Highlighting the campaign against drugs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Yudh Nashean Virudh is a massive campaign launched to make Punjab drug-free. It is the biggest-ever crackdown on the drug network in the state. Previous regimes had patronised the drug trade, ruining generations, but the Punjab Government has broken the backbone of this network by snapping supply lines and putting major offenders behind bars.”

He added, “We have not remained passive while smugglers thrived at the cost of innocent lives. For the first time, properties acquired illegally by drug smugglers have been demolished or confiscated, creating a strong deterrent. With active public support, this fight has become a mass movement.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said, “It is imperative to take Punjab forward on the path of development to realise the vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’. Since day one, our government has focused on holistic development and the prosperity of people. A comprehensive plan has been formulated and implemented to give a major push to every sector, as it was the need of the hour to make Punjab a frontrunner state in the country.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The enthusiasm of people during these fairs reflects that the Punjab Government has succeeded in its mission. With the active support of the people, we are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our great freedom fighters. This will be a true and humble tribute to legendary icons like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed their lives for the nation and its people.”