CM Bhagwant Singh : Criticizes the Centre for its unfair treatment towards Punjab and Punjabis.
On Sunday, CM Bhagwant Singh pledged to defeat the forces opposed to the state and thwart their attempts to disrupt the peace, communal harmony, brotherhood, and unity of Punjab.
While addressing the crowd after hoisting the national flag at the 76th Republic Day celebration at the local Polo Ground, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that Punjab, the land of gurus, saints, seers, and martyrs, has always been a beacon of brotherhood and communal harmony. He stated that maintaining the hard-won peace in the state is his government’s top priority, and no one will be permitted to disturb it. He called on the people to fully support and cooperate in this noble cause to thwart any conspiracy aimed at undermining the peace, progress, and prosperity of the state.
CM Bhagwant Singh warned divisive forces that their attempts to sow communal discord would be swiftly thwarted. He stressed that the social fabric of Punjab is so strong that, while anything can grow in its fertile land, hatred will never take root here. CM Bhagwant Singh assured that, despite efforts to disrupt the hard-earned peace, the bond of love, harmony, and peace in Punjab will only grow stronger.
He further noted that on this day in 1950, India became a Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic, and Secular Republic when the Constitution, crafted by our forefathers led by Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, came into effect. He called it a moment of great pride, as it granted us the power to exercise our right to vote, fulfilling the dreams of our forefathers for a government “of the people, for the people, and by the people.” The Chief Minister emphasized that over the past 75 years, the principles of a democratic republic have been strengthened, with the people of India demonstrating unwavering faith in democratic values and consistently supporting the ballot box without fear.
CM Bhagwant Singh highlighted that Indians, particularly Punjabis, have consistently thwarted attempts to undermine the country’s hard-won sovereignty. He pointed to the sacrifices made by brave patriots during key wars in 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil War, protecting the nation’s dignity and sovereignty. CM Bhagwant Singh expressed immense pride that Punjabis have inherited a spirit of self-sacrifice and patriotism from the Great Sikh Gurus, who taught the importance of fighting against oppression, tyranny, and injustice.
CM Bhagwant Singh emphasized that the dream of an independent and sovereign Indian Republic, envisioned by our forefathers, was realized due to the tremendous sacrifices made during the struggle against British rule. However, he reminded everyone that the unparalleled sacrifices made by Punjabis in the freedom movement must never be forgotten. Despite making up only two percent of the country’s population, 80% of those executed or exiled during the freedom struggle were Punjabis.
CM Bhagwant Singh also noted that Punjab was the birthplace of significant movements like the Kuka, Ghadar, Kisan, and Pagri Sambhal, and produced iconic figures like Lala Lajpat Rai and Diwan Singh Kalepani, who gave their lives for the country’s freedom. He praised the heroic deeds of martyrs such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Udham Singh, and Kartar Singh Sarabha, whose courage reinvigorated the national struggle against British colonialism. Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded by emphasizing that even in post-independence crises, Punjabis have upheld the spirit of democracy and unwavering faith in the Indian Constitution.
The Chief Minister emphasized that, despite the state’s limited natural resources, Punjab’s farmers have worked tirelessly to make India self-sufficient in food production, often at the expense of overexploiting the state’s scarce resources. He reminded the audience that, at the time of independence, while the rest of the country celebrated, Punjab, being a border state, bore the brunt of the partition. CM Bhagwant Singh reflected on the horrors of that violent partition, where lakhs of Punjabis lost their lives, homes, and properties.
However, the Chief Minister expressed his disappointment that, over the last seven decades since independence, Punjab has faced inexplicable discrimination from the central government through regressive and harmful policies. He lamented that, despite the sacrifices of food producers who made the country self-reliant in food, farmers are still forced to protest on this very day. CM Bhagwant Singh criticized the central government’s indifferent attitude, which has led farmers to go on hunger strikes to have their demands heard. He pointed out that, instead of being used to produce food grains, tractors—symbols of the fields—are now driving toward Delhi, a reflection of the union government’s neglect.
The Chief Minister urged the central government to accept the demands of the farmers so they can continue to serve the nation effectively. He stated that the plight of farmers, caused by the government’s neglect, is painful for every Indian who values constitutional principles. CM Bhagwant Singh called on the central government to stop its stepmotherly treatment of Punjab and its hardworking people.
The Chief Minister highlighted another example of the central government’s disregard for Punjab, pointing out that it has yet to release the state’s pending share of the Rural Development Fund (RDF), which amounts to ₹5,500 crore. CM Bhagwant Singh stated that this is inconsistent with the federal structure outlined in the Indian Constitution. He emphasized that states are not beggars and should be given their rightful share of funds rather than being subjected to harassment.
Since taking office, the Chief Minister mentioned that his government has been working in alignment with the ideals of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr. BR Ambedkar to ensure the well-being of all. He shared that significant efforts are being made to fulfill the aspirations of the nation’s great freedom fighters, and as a result of these efforts, Punjab has emerged as a leading state in the country, witnessing an era of unparalleled progress, prosperity, and peace. CM Bhagwant Singh noted that the state government has implemented several people-centric and development-oriented initiatives to ensure that the founding fathers’ dreams are realized, allowing people to enjoy the fruits of freedom.
The Chief Minister proudly listed the achievements, highlighting that Punjab is now offering the highest sugarcane prices not only in India but also globally, benefiting its farmers immensely. CM Bhagwant Singh reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining the highest rates for sugarcane, ensuring continued support for sugarcane cultivators in the future.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, the Sadak Surakhiya Force, which is dedicated to improving security and saving lives on both state and national highways. Launched last year, this force has helped save 48% of lives in road accidents and returned valuables and money to those injured. CM Bhagwant Singh stated that the force is deployed across 4,200 km of accident-prone highways, where they patrol, act as a deterrent to traffic violations, and provide other forms of assistance.
To enhance healthcare services, the Chief Minister shared that the state has established 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have revolutionized the healthcare sector. So far, over 2.70 crore people have benefited from these clinics, with the high number of visitors showing that every third person in the state has utilized these services.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s initiative to provide free power to households, launched in 2022. As a result, 90% of households are now receiving free electricity and have zero electricity bills. This move has significantly eased the financial burden on ordinary citizens, particularly poor households. CM Bhagwant Singh emphasized that, in addition to benefiting domestic consumers, the state’s food growers are also receiving free and uninterrupted power, a source of great pride and satisfaction for the state.
CM Bhagwant Singh shared that after taking office in March 2022, he successfully resumed coal supply from the Pachwara coal mines within a few months. He also mentioned that the state made history by purchasing the privately owned Goindwal power plant from GVK Power, a significant move as this is the first time a government has bought a private power plant, whereas in the past, state governments sold assets at extremely low prices to favored individuals.
CM Bhagwant Singh further stated that the Punjab Government is dedicated to transforming 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools into Schools of Eminence, complete with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs, and playgrounds to enhance scientific learning. Thanks to the government’s efforts, enrollment in government schools has increased by around 17% in pre-primary classes. He also emphasized a special program to send teachers and principals abroad for training to familiarize them with modern teaching practices, preparing students for global competition.
CM Bhagwant Singh noted that when he took office, only 21% of canal water was used for irrigation. Today, however, 75% of canal water is being utilized, which is a significant achievement. His government has ensured that canal water reaches farmers at the tail ends of canals, who were deprived of it for decades, while also conserving precious groundwater.
In a major citizen-centric initiative, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the “Door-Step Delivery of Services” under the scheme “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar.” This initiative allows citizens to access 43 key services at their doorstep, covering over 99% of daily administrative tasks. CM Bhagwant Singh stated that people have greatly benefited from receiving services right at their homes.
CM Bhagwant Singh further emphasized that the state government is focused on boosting investment and industrial infrastructure in Punjab. He revealed that over Rs 85,000 crore in investment has been secured, with leading companies such as Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles planning to invest in the state, potentially creating around 3.5 lakh jobs. Additionally, the state government has introduced Green stamp paper in the registration of sale deeds to facilitate faster and smoother regulatory approvals for industrial projects.
Regarding employment, CM Bhagwant Singh highlighted the state government’s commitment to providing government jobs based on merit. Over 50,000 government jobs have been offered to the youth, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the recruitment process, and actively involving the youth in the state’s socio-economic development.
CM Bhagwant Singh also noted that the state government continues to intensify efforts to eliminate corruption. A new anti-corruption helpline (9501200200) has been introduced, allowing people to report bribery attempts. The government has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy toward corruption, with Punjab Vigilance Bureau registering trap cases against Gazetted Officers, Non-Gazetted Officers, and private individuals who were caught accepting illegal bribes.
In addition, the Chief Minister announced the FARISHTEY scheme, designed to save the lives of accident victims and encourage the public to assist accident victims without fear of legal repercussions. The scheme rewards individuals who help accident victims with a financial reward of Rs 2,000, along with a certificate, and offers immunity from legal complications or police inquiries.
CM Bhagwant Singh stated that to boost manpower and efficiency in the Police department, the state government has planned to recruit 1,800 Constables and 300 Sub Inspectors annually. With around 2.5 lakh applicants expected each year for these 2,100 positions, all candidates will be encouraged to focus on academics and physical fitness to clear the exams. Additionally, the government has decided to recruit 10,000 new police officers, with the notification already issued.
CM Bhagwant Singh also expressed pride in the regularization of services for 12,710 teachers, removing the term “contractual” from their positions. This decision will grant them a 5% annual salary increment along with other benefits like holidays, ensuring that these teachers become active contributors to the state’s socio-economic development.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s recognition of the contributions made by armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and Agniveers in safeguarding the country’s unity. In honor of these sacrifices, the state government offers financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of jawans who lose their lives in the line of duty.
CM Bhagwant Singh also mentioned that the people of Punjab have shown trust in the state government’s pro-people policies, leading to a significant increase in tax collection. He noted that 18 toll plazas have been closed in the state, saving the people Rs 63 lakh daily, as most toll plazas had requested extensions but were denied for the greater public interest.
CM Bhagwant Singh announced the opening of the “Punjab Help Centre,” a state-of-the-art NRI Facilitation Centre at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to assist the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. The center operates 24/7, offering help to NRIs and other passengers with flight information, connecting flights, taxi services, lost luggage, and any other airport-related needs.
Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh reviewed the parade led by Parade Commander Vaneet Ahlawat, IPS, and received a salute from the impressive march past by various contingents, including Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, ITBP, NCC Girls and Boys, and the Red Cross, along with the Punjab Police Brass Band. Local school students also presented a vibrant patriotic program, featuring Bhangra, Gidda, group dances, PT shows, and group singing.
Additionally, the Chief Minister honored freedom fighters and their families for their significant contributions to India’s independence struggle. He also distributed tricycles to the physically challenged and sewing machines to underprivileged women. A series of tableaux showcasing the state’s development, particularly by the district administration, was also a highlight of the event.