Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Friday unfurled the national flag at the ITI Ground during the district-level celebrations of the 79th Independence Day. Prior to the event, she also paid homage at Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Memorial in Khatkar Kalan.
After hoisting the tricolour, Dr. Kaur inspected the parade, took the salute, and felicitated citizens from various fields for their outstanding contributions. Addressing the gathering, she said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Punjab government is working tirelessly to fulfill the vision of India’s great martyrs and patriots. She recalled the invaluable sacrifices of freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai, and others, whose struggle gifted independence to the present generations.
Highlighting government initiatives, Dr. Kaur announced that the process of recruiting 5,000 workers and helpers in Anganwadi Centres would begin in September. She added that 1,000 new Anganwadi buildings are being constructed with a budget allocation of ₹100 crore, with work already completed at 300 centers. She also mentioned the Chief Minister’s announcement to develop 3,073 model playgrounds across Punjab during 2025-26 to encourage sports culture.
ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਡਾ. ਬਲਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਕੌਮੀ ਝੰਡਾ ਲਹਿਰਾਉਂਦਿਆਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਮਹਾਨ ਆਜ਼ਾਦੀ ਘੁਲਾਟੀਆਂ, ਦੇਸ਼ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਦੇ ਸੁਪਨਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਿਰਜਨ ਲਈ ਵੱਡੇ ਪੱਧਰ ‘ਤੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕ ਉਪਰਾਲੇ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਨੇ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਖਟਕੜ ਕਲਾਂ ਵਿਖੇ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਕੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ-ਏ-ਆਜ਼ਮ ਸਰਦਾਰ ਭਗਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਰਧਾ ਦੇ ਫੁੱਲ… pic.twitter.com/AsJ1Qbhglq
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) August 15, 2025
The Minister further informed that 405 new veterinary officers would soon be recruited, and a pilot project for planting saplings and beautifying highways would be launched in five districts, including Khatkar Kalan, Sangrur, Pathankot, Anandpur Sahib, and Amritsar.
Speaking on the ‘Jeevanjot Project,’ Dr. Kaur said that more than 600 children had been rescued and enrolled in schools under this first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. She also shared that 196 village libraries had been established, with work on 135 more in progress. Stressing that health and education remain top priorities, she pointed out that the government is bringing far-reaching reforms and has introduced a health insurance scheme of ₹10 lakh per person.
Marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Dr. Kaur announced that 3.5 lakh saplings would be planted in every district during 2025-26 under the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp. She also said that as part of the “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign, a special anti-drug curriculum has been introduced for students of classes IX to XII, reaching nearly 8 lakh students. Currently, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational across Punjab, offering 107 types of free medicines and 47 lab tests.
She assured that preparations for the upcoming paddy procurement season will be completed by September 15. Dr. Kaur also revealed that the Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex, being built at a cost of ₹51.70 crore in Khatkar Kalan, will be completed in the next nine months to inspire future generations. Additionally, she said that a 50-bed critical care block at Nawanshahr Civil Hospital costing ₹12.55 crore will soon be ready, along with a new integrated laboratory worth ₹1.06 crore and a blood bank costing ₹42 lakh.