Gurdaspur, March 9 Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on Monday that Punjab is transitioning from decades of political exploitation to an era of development, educational reforms, and governance focused on welfare.
Addressing a gathering in Qadian, Gurdaspur district, after laying the foundation stone for the renovation of 237 rural link roads worth Rs 168.44 crore, covering approximately 497 km, he said that the Punjab government is focusing on strengthening rural infrastructure, improving government schools, and generating employment.
Mann said that teachers from government schools are being sent abroad for training so that the children of Punjab do not have to go abroad for education.
He added that while previous governments closed government schools, the present government is building modern schools and improving educational facilities.
Mann said that the state has secured investment proposals worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore, which are expected to create around 5.20 lakh job opportunities for the youth.
The chief minister also announced that Kahnuwan town will be made a sub-division where the offices of the SDM, tehsildar, patwari, and other departments will function under one roof.
Targeting opposition parties, Mann alleged that traditional parties ruled Punjab turn by turn for decades but ignored public welfare.
He said that the people of the state will once again support the "broom" (jhaadu) to defeat such parties.
Mann also accused previous governments of keeping Punjab's coal mine in Jharkhand closed to allegedly earn commissions by purchasing coal from private companies.
Highlighting welfare measures, he said that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, and farmers are now getting power supply during the daytime for irrigation.
The chief minister said that the government has launched schemes to support women, improve healthcare, and strengthen education and infrastructure across the state.
He also announced that a stadium will be constructed in the area, a defunct ITI will be made functional again, and sewerage projects at Qadian and Dhaliwal will be completed in a time-bound manner.
