CM announces ₹51 lakh development grant for Sohal village; highlights 71,777 government jobs, free electricity and improved canal water supply

Gurdaspur, 15 November (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday hit out at opposition parties, asking them to stop dreaming of discontinuing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's welfare schemes. He asserted that his government was committed to spending every penny of the state treasury on the welfare of Punjabis.

Addressing a Lok Milni at village Sohal in Gurdaspur, Mann said previous governments had focused on filling their own coffers, while his government had provided free electricity, over 71,700 government jobs and canal water to farmers' fields. He also handed over a development grant of ₹51 lakh for Sohal, describing it as part of the government's commitment to taking development to every village.

The Chief Minister said Lok Milnis were aimed at directly connecting with people, listening to their problems and resolving genuine grievances rather than delivering political speeches from public platforms. He urged people to judge political parties by their actual performance and record.

Highlighting the government's achievements, Mann said 71,777 government jobs had been provided purely on merit and without corruption or bribery. He added that canal water utilisation in Punjab had increased from nearly 22 per cent before the AAP government took office to around 85-86 per cent. The government was working to raise it to 90 per cent to benefit more farmers.

On education, he claimed that Punjab had moved from the 27th position in 2022 to the top position in primary education. He said 882 students from government schools had cleared NEET, compared with 80 in 2021. Teachers were also being sent to Finland, Singapore and reputed institutions such as IIMs for specialised training.

Regarding healthcare, Mann said 54 lakh families had received health cards under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, against approximately 65 lakh eligible families. Around 650 private hospitals were part of the scheme, enabling beneficiaries to access cashless treatment.

Mann also criticised the Congress over its internal differences and accused the Akali Dal of losing public confidence because of its past record, including incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Questioning the proposed political understanding between the SAD and BJP, he referred to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws and the deaths of farmers during the protest.

Announcing further plans for youth, the Chief Minister said UPSC coaching centres would be established across Punjab to help young people prepare for civil services examinations without having to leave the state or spend huge amounts on coaching.

Appealing to Punjabis to follow the ideals of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Mann said collective efforts were necessary to build a prosperous and ‘Rangla Punjab’, where every family could enjoy equal opportunities, dignity and a better future.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH