Reiterates Commitment to Drug-Free Punjab; Highlights People-Centric approach of Bhagwant Mann Government
SAS Nagar, August 15: Desh Click News
Punjab Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian hoisted the Tricolour at Shaheed Major (Shaurya Chakra) Harminder Singh Government College, Mohali, on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day.
Paying homage to the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, he said that Punjabis contributed nearly 80% of the sacrifices during the freedom struggle, recalling stalwarts like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, and Udham Singh, along with thousands of unsung heroes.
He lauded Indian democracy, crediting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for laying its foundation and empowering citizens to use their voting rights wisely.
Highlighting the achievements of the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government, Minister Khuddian said that under
Free Domestic Power, Up to 300 units per month benefiting about 80% of the population. Over 55,000 jobs provided on merit, ensuring transparency. Aam Aadmi Clinics offering free consultations, tests, and medicines.
Schools upgraded with improved infrastructure and quality teaching.
Expanded canal water irrigation ensured to check groundwater depletion. Punjab contributes around 180 lakh MT of paddy and 130 lakh MT of wheat to the central pool each year.
He said the state has enhanced assistance to martyrs’ families by providing Rs 1 crore as a mark of respect and reserving 13% quota in government jobs.
On sports, he highlighted Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan as an important platform for nurturing underprivileged talent in diverse disciplines, moving beyond the earlier focus on Kabaddi by some governments. Cash prizes, jobs, and financial aid are being given to Olympians and Asian medalists and potential players for preparing for competitions.
Encouraging diversification, he urged farmers to explore allied activities like dairy, piggery, goatery, and poultry, noting that indoor animal treatment facilities have also been started in Veterinary Polyclinics.
He announced to make the Bio Fertilizer Lab, first of Punjab at Mohali soon followed by Gurdaspur and Bathinda.
On the anti-drug front, the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign has significantly reduced supply, with strict actions including demolition of properties acquired through drug money and reclaiming illegally occupied lands, he added.
He also announced state-level programmes from November 19–25 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and the conservation of Todar Mall’s historic house at Fatehgarh Sahib as chalked out by Bhagwant Singh Mann Government.
Minister Khuddian, along with DC Komal Mittal and SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, inspected the Independence Day parade led by DSP Jatinder Singh Chauhan.
Five Veer Naris were honoured by Minister, and the district administration greeted the aged freedom fighter Gurdev Singh at his residence. He also paid tribute to martyr Major Harminder Pal Singh (Shaurya Chakra), after whom the Government College is named.
The celebrations featured tableaus from various departments, cultural performances by school students, NCC cadets’ participation, and a National Anthem recital by special students from Government Primary School, 3B1, Mohali.
Dignitaries present included Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia (Chairman, Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board), Parminder Singh Goldy (Chairman, Punjab Youth Development Board), Prabhjot Kaur (Chairperson, District Planning Committee), Vineet Verma (Member, Punjab Traders Commission), Amit Jain (Member, Punjab Gaurav Sewa Commission), Harsukhinder Singh Bubby Badal, and S.S. Srivastava (Special DGP, Security, Punjab).