Patiala, July 28:- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to maintaining peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and law and order in Punjab. He was addressing a large gathering during the religious programme ‘Ek Shaam Shiv Ke Naam’ held in Patiala. Chief Minister’s wife Dr. Manpreet Kaur also attended the special event.
Addressing the devotees, Chief Minister Mann said that Punjab is a fertile land where every seed of goodness can flourish except the seed of hatred. He said that the strength of unity and brotherhood in Punjab is very strong as people celebrate every festival together with mutual respect and harmony.
He said, “Divisive forces can never succeed in Punjab. Although today’s programme is dedicated to Lord Shiva, people from all religions have gathered here, which reflects the true spirit of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great honour for him to visit this sacred place and participate in the programme. He expressed happiness over sharing the message of humanity, unity and love among the people.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government respects every religion equally and is working day and night for the welfare of all sections of society. He said the aim of the government is to create an equal society where people of all religions live together with mutual respect and harmony.
Highlighting the welfare initiatives of the state government, the Chief Minister said that 19 toll plazas have been closed keeping public convenience in mind, resulting in savings of around Rs. 70 lakh daily for common people. He added that more than 68,000 government jobs have been provided to youth through a completely transparent recruitment process.
He said that nearly 90 per cent of households are receiving free electricity, farmers are being provided electricity supply during the day, around 44,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed, and the canal irrigation system has been strengthened to ensure adequate water availability for agriculture.
Speaking about the ‘Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’, Chief Minister Mann said that financial assistance has started being transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible women from July 1. Under the scheme, every eligible woman receives Rs. 1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category receive Rs. 1,500 per month.
He said that the financial assistance will also be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts on August 1. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible for benefits under this scheme.
The Chief Minister further said that around 97 per cent of women in Punjab are benefiting from this scheme and the state government has allocated Rs. 9,300 crore in the budget for its implementation.
He reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare, development and prosperity of the people of the state and will continue working towards building a peaceful, progressive and inclusive Punjab.