Naresh Kumar/Sangrur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the upcoming Punjab Budget will introduce several pro-people initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and strengthening welfare measures across the state.
(MOREPIC1)(MOREPIC2)Addressing a gathering during a Lok Milni programme in Sangrur, the Chief Minister said the government has utilised public funds responsibly over the past four years and the forthcoming budget will further focus on citizen-centric policies to provide relief to people. He said that, for the first time in the state’s history, the Punjab Budget will be presented on a Sunday.
(SUBHEAD)Mann highlighted key achievements of the government, stating that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity and farmers are being supplied power during daytime. He added that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established to provide free healthcare services, while over 63,000 government jobs have been provided to youth without bribes or recommendations.
The Chief Minister also referred to the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which offers cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family. He said the scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on residents while ensuring quality medical services.
Speaking on the government’s anti-drug campaign, Mann said the administration has launched the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative to eliminate drug trafficking in the state. He said action is being taken against drug smugglers and the campaign has gained support from people across Punjab.
The Chief Minister also claimed that irrigation infrastructure has been strengthened, with canal water usage increasing significantly after the revival of thousands of kilometres of water channels and water courses across the state.
Taking a dig at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mann said the opposition leader is disconnected from the ground realities of Punjab. He criticised Badal’s suggestion of organising playing card tournaments in villages, saying that youth require employment opportunities rather than such proposals.
Mann further accused previous governments led by the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal of burdening Punjab with debt and working in their own interests. He also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly pursuing divisive politics instead of addressing the state’s concerns.
Referring to Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict, the Chief Minister said the state government has identified around 370 people and is coordinating with the Union Government to ensure their safe return.
Mann asserted that the present government is committed to using every rupee from the state exchequer for the welfare and development of Punjab. He added that the people of the state have rejected traditional parties and continue to support policies aimed at improving governance and public services.