Chandigarh, July 5,
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring stringent punishment for major players in the drug trade, whom he termed “Jarnails” responsible for devastating the lives of Punjab’s youth. Speaking after dedicating development projects worth approximately ₹350 crore, including roads and libraries, to the residents of Amritsar, Mann, joined by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, outlined a series of transformative initiatives aimed at public welfare and state progress.
Crackdown on Drug Trade
CM Mann emphasized that his government has taken unprecedented action against drug lords, with key figures already behind bars. “No one dared to touch these affluent leaders before, but we have arrested them, and they will face exemplary punishment for their crimes,” he declared, ensuring a deterrent for future offenders. The state’s Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign, launched with public support, aims to eradicate the drug menace by disrupting supply chains and confiscating or demolishing illegally acquired properties of smugglers—a first in Punjab’s history. Mann highlighted that this initiative channels the youth’s energy positively, addressing the severe loss of manpower caused by drugs.
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Criticism of Union Government
The Chief Minister criticized the Union Government for withholding ₹6,000 crore of Punjab’s Rural Development Fund (RDF) share, stating that its release could enable the construction of every road in the state. Despite this, Mann affirmed that Punjab is optimally utilizing available resources to enhance infrastructure.
Major Infrastructure and Welfare Initiatives
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Road Network Expansion: Mann announced a ₹3,500 crore project to develop 19,000 km of link roads, with a new policy ensuring ongoing maintenance for five years alongside repairs, a significant upgrade from the previous six-year repair cycle.
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Libraries for Education: Six modern libraries, built at ₹3.20 crore, were dedicated to Amritsar’s residents, equipped with computers, internet, and resources for competitive exams to empower students.
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Job Creation: Over 54,000 merit-based jobs have been provided to youth without corruption or nepotism, fostering their role in Punjab’s socio-economic development.
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Free Electricity: Since 2022, 90% of households receive zero electricity bills, and farmers benefit from free, uninterrupted power, easing financial burdens and supporting agriculture.
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Irrigation Improvements: Canal water usage for agriculture has risen from 21% to 75%, ensuring water reaches tail-end farmers and conserves groundwater.
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Road Safety Force: Punjab’s pioneering Sadak Surakhya Force, launched with 1,597 trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles, has reduced road accident fatalities by 48.10% since February 2024, earning praise from other states and the Government of India.
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Toll Plaza Closures: The closure of 17 toll plazas saves ₹64 lakh daily for commuters.
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Women in Fire Services: Punjab became the first state to amend physical criteria for recruiting women in fire services, promoting inclusivity.
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Abolition of Taxes on Religious Vehicles: Taxes on vehicles carrying holy scriptures have been eliminated, reinforcing communal harmony.
Economic Growth and Investments
Mann highlighted that Punjab has secured investments worth over ₹1 lakh crore in the last three years from companies like Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles, driven by the state’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. He criticized previous governments for dividing people along religious lines and neglecting development, which stalled Punjab’s growth for decades.
Political Accountability
The Chief Minister accused opposition parties of looting Punjab through power-sharing every five years, asserting that the people have rejected them in favor of a government committed to service. He also noted the scrapping of multiple pensions for MLAs, saving significant public funds, and dismissed opposition criticism as envy of his government’s pro-people policies.
Vision for Punjab
Mann emphasized that Punjab’s communal harmony, peace, and unity are vital for progress. The state’s initiatives, from combating drugs to fostering economic and intellectual growth, reflect a vision of a prosperous Punjab where youth are empowered to contribute to society. The presence of Cabinet Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO and Gurmeet Singh Khudian at the event underscored the government’s unified commitment to these goals.
