Independence Day Function: Minister hoists tricolour, lists state govt’s achievements
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 16
Local Government Minister Balkar Singh hoisted the tricolour at the PAU grounds here on Thursday.
During the event, he highlighted achievements of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in the state in the past 28 months of its regime and emphasised the commitment to transforming the state into a vibrant and prosperous Punjab.
The minister after hoisting the tricolour, inspected the parade and stated that great martyrs and freedom fighters, including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai and Udham Singh, have made unparalleled sacrifices for the country’s freedom. “It is also a matter of pride that maximum sacrifices during the Independence struggle were made by Punjabis, who are always front runners in safeguarding the interests of the country,” he said.
In his speech, the minister mentioned that the state government had achieved several milestones, such as providing over 44,000 government jobs to youths, establishing 842 Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs), a medical college, and 118 Schools of Eminence (SOEs). Additionally, 90 per cent of domestic consumers have availed 300 free units of electricity.
The government has also secured investments worth Rs 78,263 crore, started anti-corruption action helpline, revenue helpline (8184900002), NRI helpline (9464100168), 1076 helpline for doorstep delivery of citizen-centric services and implemented transport facility in 137 government schools. Other notable achievements include initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, 325 hi-tech ambulances, 1,000 sports nurseries, 28 underground irrigation pipeline projects and a new fish market.
The government has also made significant changes to the assistance provided to families of martyred soldiers, such as increasing the ex gratia grant to Rs 1 crore for families of martyred soldiers, Rs 1 crore for police martyrs and increased ex gratia grant for physically challenged soldiers such as Rs 40 lakh for those with 76 to 100 per cent disability, Rs 20 lakh for those with 51 to 75 per cent disability, and Rs 10 lakh for those with 25 to 50 per cent disability. The monthly financial assistance for non-pensioner ex-servicemen and their widows has been raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000, and the “war jagir” has been doubled from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per annum for families of soldiers who served in World War II and other wars.
He also solicited cooperation from the people to save natural resources, especially groundwater table by giving a fillip to efforts of the government to contain the depleting water table.
He said the state government had been providing Rs 1,500 per acre subsidy on direct sowing of paddy. The plying of buses from across Punjab to the Delhi airport was also a significant achievement of the state government as the service was proving beneficial for Punjabis and Punjabi Diaspora. The action against illegal encroachers of panchayati lands was also being welcomed and appreciated by the people, said the minister, adding that the government was also strengthening the infrastructure in rural areas to ensure better amenities.
Earlier, the chief guest took a salute from the march past by contingents of the Punjab Police (men and women), Punjab Home Guards, NCC Scouts (boys and girls) and others, led by parade commander Jayant Puri. The march past was followed by a splendid mass PT show by 750 students of 27 government schools, a patriotic colourful cultural programme presented by students of different institutions.
In a first, visually challenged students from the Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre in Haibowal sang the national anthem while speech and hearing impaired students from Red Cross Deaf and Dumb School in Sarabha Nagar presented the anthem using sign language.
The chief guest also honoured family members of freedom fighters and gave awards to police personnel and participants during the parade. He distributed tricycles among specially-abled people and sewing machines to the needy. He also awarded several personalities for their excellent services in various fields.
Family of renowned Punjabi poet Dr Surjit Patar was also honoured on the occasion.
