Calling the new land pooling policy farmer-friendly and development-driven, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday urged citizens not to fall for the false propaganda being spread by the opposition regarding the scheme.
While distributing Rs 31.30 crore in development grants to 70 villages in the Dhuri Assembly segment, CM Bhagwant strongly criticized the opposition, accusing them of twisting facts for political advantage and misleading the public about the intent and benefits of the land pooling policy.
He made it clear that no land will be forcibly acquired, and only farmers who voluntarily opt into the scheme will participate. Mann assured that in return, participating farmers would receive residential and commercial plots, enabling them to become active partners in Punjab’s progress.
He emphasized that the commercial properties within these planned colonies would serve as long-term income sources for farmers. The objective, he said, is to drive holistic state development and ensure benefits for every citizen while preserving transparency and legality throughout the process.
On the broader governance front, CM Bhagwant spoke about the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, stating that the government had already crippled drug networks, arrested major traffickers, and ensured their imprisonment. He vowed the campaign would continue until Punjab is completely drug-free.
Speaking on rural development, he highlighted that public funds are now being utilized transparently at the panchayat level to accelerate village progress. In contrast to previous regimes, where development was largely on paper, Mann asserted that all villages in Dhuri would now be transformed into model villages, with panchayats responsible for quality control and regular monitoring.
He also addressed environmental concerns, pointing out the neglect of groundwater issues by past governments. He shared that the current government had revived over 15,947 watercourses, restoring water supply to even the most remote villages, especially those at the tail ends.
Highlighting the government’s pro-people initiatives, Mann noted:
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Free electricity to 90% of households
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881 Aam Aadmi Clinics providing free treatment to over 3 crore patients
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Over 55,000 government jobs given purely on merit
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Closure of 18 toll plazas, saving Rs 64 lakh daily for common people
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Launch of India’s first Road Safety Force, reducing road accident fatalities by over 48%
The Road Safety Force, he said, is staffed with specially trained personnel, including women, and uses a fleet of 144 modern vehicles. The initiative has received praise from other states and even the central government.
Announcing a landmark healthcare initiative, CM Bhagwant shared that the state will launch the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna on October 2, offering cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family—making Punjab the first state in India to implement such a wide-reaching healthcare program.
He added that the government also passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to revive and promote traditional rural games, such as bullock cart races, while ensuring strict protection of animals from cruelty.
CM Bhagwant Mann recalled how Punjabis have always cherished games like the Kila Raipur race, which gained international recognition. He said the new law will help preserve this heritage responsibly, with animal welfare as a top priority.