Says, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna ensures ₹10 lakh cashless treatment for all 65 lakh families, without income conditions
Punjab Newsline, Bathinda-
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is making strenuous efforts to restore the pristine glory of the state in every field, asserting that Punjab is once again moving towards vibrancy and holistic development.
Addressing a gathering during the Virasati Mela, CM said that due to the negligence of previous regimes, such fairs, which were an integral part of the state’s culture, had stopped. “However, now Punjab is on a path of vibrancy as everyday new colors are being added by the state government in every field. Punjab has fallen many times, but it has risen again and again, and it is heartening that today, the vibrant colors of a Rangla Punjab are visible once again,” he stated.
The Chief Minister said that the glorious cultural heritage of the state will be preserved at all costs, adding that the Punjab Government is already making concerted efforts in this direction. “The performances of Giddha and Bhangra at heritage fairs reflect the true spirit of Punjab. I had a desire to attend the fair in Bathinda, as this is an effort to connect our children with their heritage and culture,” he noted. Highlighting governance initiatives, he added, “Pro-people and development-oriented schemes in Punjab are improving the lives of people, as government jobs are being given to youth on merit and canal water is reaching even the villages on the tail-ends of the state.”
The Chief Minister said that a major boost has been given to the utilization of canal water, adding that water has even been lifted to the sand dunes of Bathinda, while massive upgradation of infrastructure is underway across every nook and corner of Punjab. “In another significant step, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched to provide cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for all 65 lakh families in the state. Income conditions have been removed under this scheme, and now even government employees and pensioners have been included under it,” he said.
Emphasising healthcare and power sector reforms, CM said, “Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, and 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment daily.” He further added, “Since the AAP Government assumed charge in 2022, around 90% households in the state are receiving free electricity. For the first time in the history of the state, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power was supplied to farm tube wells during the paddy season, that too in the daytime.”
Underscoring the importance of sports in tackling social challenges, Mann said, “Promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs, and we are leaving no stone unturned for this. Youth involved in sports have no time even to look at drugs, as they are fully focused on excelling in their respective fields.” He added, “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is organized every year to provide a platform to players to showcase their talent.”
He further stated, “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian were also held in Bathinda, and it is heartening that three generations participated together. The AAP Government is building new sports grounds so that youth stay away from drugs and other maladies. These games have helped us identify the strengths and weaknesses of players, which will help groom them for national and international events.”
Highlighting the campaign against drugs, CM said, “Yudh Nashean Virudh is a massive campaign launched to make Punjab drug-free. It is the biggest-ever crackdown on the drug network in the state. Previous regimes had patronized the drug trade, ruining generations, but the Punjab Government has broken the backbone of this network by snapping supply lines and putting big fish behind bars.” He added, “We have not sat idle while smugglers thrived at the cost of lives. For the first time, properties acquired illegally by drug smugglers have been destroyed or confiscated, creating a strong deterrent. With active public support, this fight has become a mass movement.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said, “It is imperative to take Punjab forward on the path of development to create a Rangla Punjab. Since day one in office, our government has focused on holistic development and the prosperity of people. A flawless plan has been chalked out and executed to give a major push to every sector, as it was the need of the hour to make Punjab a frontrunner state in the country.”
Mann added, “The enthusiasm of people during these fairs reflects that the Punjab Government has succeeded in its mission, for which the wheels were already set in motion. With the active support of people, we are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our great freedom fighters. This will be a true and humble tribute to legendary icons like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed their lives for the country and its people.”