Ferozepur, August 15:- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the 80th Independence Day will mark a year of ‘economic freedom’ for the women of Punjab, as mothers and daughters are, for the first time, gaining greater financial independence to spend money according to their own choices.
Addressing the state-level Independence Day ?????? at the Cantonment Board Stadium, Ferozepur, after unfurling the National Flag, the Chief Minister said that under the Mawan Dhian Satkar Scheme, more than 65 lakh women out of 74.59 lakh registered beneficiaries have already received the honourarium.
He said that following the ideals of the great national heroes, his government is working tirelessly to fulfil every promise made to the people and build a prosperous and vibrant ‘Rangla Punjab’.
The Chief Minister said this spirit of empowerment is being strengthened across Punjab through improvements in education and healthcare, employment opportunities for youth, expansion of canal irrigation, a decisive fight against drugs and strengthening public safety, while preserving Punjab’s identity of peace, harmony and communal brotherhood.

Paying Tribute to National Heroes at Hussainiwala
Sharing glimpses of the Independence Day celebrations, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier in the day he had paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and other national heroes at Hussainiwala, the sacred land of Ferozepur.
He said that Hussainiwala on the banks of the Sutlej represents the glorious legacy of the nation’s martyrs and reminds people of the lives and sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev. The last rites of revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt and Mata Vidyavati Ji, mother of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, were also performed here.
A Heritage Complex is being constructed at Hussainiwala at a cost of ?25 crore in memory of the martyrs.
Paying tribute to the people living in the border districts, the Chief Minister said they have always courageously faced challenges posed by enemies across the border, natural disasters and other difficulties.

Punjab Paid the Heaviest Price During Partition
Remembering the contribution of Punjab’s people to the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said the people living along the border have made an immense contribution to the nation and Punjab.
He said the country had to undergo a long and difficult struggle for freedom, while Punjab paid the heaviest price during the Partition of 1947. Millions of families were forced to leave their homes, while generations continue to remember the pain of the Partition.
He said Punjabis have always drawn inspiration to stand against oppression and injustice from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
From the Kuka Movement, Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement, Ghadar Movement and Babbar Akali Movement to numerous other struggles, Punjabis made an enormous contribution to India’s freedom movement. He recalled the sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh and Madan Lal Dhingra, among thousands of other Punjabis.
He said that more than 80 per cent of those who were hanged, sentenced to life imprisonment or transported to the Cellular Jail were Punjabis, adding that Punjab’s soldiers have also created an unparalleled record of bravery in wars fought by India.

Strong Warning to Forces Trying to Disturb Punjab’s Peace
Chief Minister Mann strongly warned forces attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace, harmony and brotherhood.
He said Punjab’s sacred soil has always conveyed the message of unity and collective welfare. “There is no place for hatred in Punjab, nor was there ever, and there never will be,” he said.
He recalled that he had taken oath as Chief Minister at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, and that portraits of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had been installed in government offices.
He also said that Mohali International Airport has been named after Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, and his statue has also been installed there.

2026 as a Year of Women’s Economic Freedom
Talking about women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said, “The year 2026 is a year of freedom and empowerment for Punjab’s women.”
He said that under the Mawan Dhian Satkar Scheme, mothers and daughters have gained the freedom to spend their money according to their own choices.
So far, 74.59 lakh women have been registered under the scheme, while 65.62 lakh women have received a total of ?2,274.42 crore in their bank accounts as honourarium. He appealed to the remaining eligible women to register themselves and avail the benefits of the scheme.

Religious Tourism and 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji
Referring to the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, Mann said more than 4 lakh devotees have travelled to Sri Anandpur Sahib, Naina Devi and Amritsar Sahib.
Pilgrimage facilities are now also being extended to religious destinations outside Punjab, including Haridwar–Rishikesh, Sri Khatu Shyam–Salasar Balaji and Mathura–Vrindavan.
He said Punjab is fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, for which ?100 crore has been earmarked for year-long programmes.
He also recalled that the state government had commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji with great devotion and respect last year.

Major Expansion in Healthcare
The Chief Minister said that under the Chief Minister Health Scheme, every family is receiving cashless treatment of up to ?10 lakh, and more than 3 lakh patients have already received cashless treatment worth ?1,100 crore.
There are currently 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics functioning across Punjab, where around 92,000 people visit daily for treatment. These clinics provide free healthcare, with their OPDs having recorded nearly 6 crore patient visits.
He also claimed that Punjab has emerged as the number one state in education, surpassing Kerala, due to the government’s efforts.

Government Schools Show Strong Performance
Highlighting educational achievements, Mann said 882 students from government schools qualified NEET, 361 qualified JEE Mains and 64 qualified JEE Advanced.
In 2021, only 80 students from government schools had qualified NEET, he said.
Batches of principals and teachers are being sent to Singapore, Finland and Ahmedabad for training, while Schools of Eminence are helping students realise their aspirations.
He said bus services are being provided to 15,000 girls for commuting to and from school. Private schools will no longer be permitted to increase fees by more than 5 per cent, providing relief to more than 32 lakh students studying in around 7,800 private schools.

Ration Kits for 40 Lakh Needy Families
Under the Meri Rasoi Scheme, ration kits are being distributed along with wheat to 40 lakh needy families.
Each kit contains 2 kg pulses, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg salt, 200 grams turmeric powder and one litre mustard oil.

Canal Irrigation Expanded Across Punjab
Highlighting the government’s irrigation initiatives, Mann said the state government has spent ?7,200 crore to ensure canal water reaches every field.
Since he assumed office, the area under canal irrigation has increased from 26 per cent to 80 per cent. In 2022, only 20.89 lakh acres were receiving canal water, whereas today the figure has increased to 60.30 lakh acres.
For the first time in the state’s history, canal water has reached agricultural fields in 1,587 villages that had never previously received canal irrigation. Farmers are also being provided electricity for agriculture during the daytime.

‘War Against Drugs’ Completes 500 Days
The Chief Minister said Punjab is fighting the drug menace with full force and thanked the people for their cooperation.
The ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign has completed 500 days, during which 56,394 cases have been registered against drug traffickers and more than 75,000 traffickers have been sent behind bars.
Defence committees have been formed at village and ward levels, while around 1.25 lakh volunteers are working to make their villages drug-free.
Given Punjab’s 553-kilometre-long border with Pakistan, anti-drone systems have also been deployed to prevent cross-border drug trafficking.

More Than 69,000 Government Jobs
Mann said the government has provided more than 69,000 government jobs to youth strictly on merit.
He said all recruitments have been carried out through a transparent “No Cash, No Recommendation” system, with youth from villages and cities across Punjab receiving employment opportunities.

Punjab’s Contribution to Indian Sports
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports, the Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride that Palpreet Singh Brar is captain of the Indian basketball team, Harmanpreet Singh is captain of the Indian hockey team, Shubman Gill is captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, and Harmanpreet Kaur is captain of the Indian women’s cricket team—all Punjabis.
For the first time in Punjab’s history, a dedicated ?1,744 crore sports budget has been allocated.
Punjab is also hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy for the first time since Independence, with matches scheduled to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali during October and November.
The fourth season of ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan’ will begin from Bathinda on September 5, featuring 38 sporting competitions.

Investment and Industrial Development
The Chief Minister said Punjab is offering the highest sugarcane price in the country at ?416 per quintal.
Since March 2022, investment proposals worth ?1.83 lakh crore have come to Punjab, which are expected to create employment opportunities for nearly 6 lakh youth.
Companies including Japan’s Aichi Steel and Tata Steel, among others, are making major investments in the state, giving a boost to economic and industrial development.

Road Safety Force Reduces Fatalities
Highlighting the achievements of the Punjab Road Safety Force, Mann said it is the state’s first dedicated force of its kind.
The force has provided first aid to more than 25,000 people and transported over 35,000 injured persons to hospitals. The fatality rate from road accidents in the state has declined by more than 50 per cent.
The initiative has also been appreciated by the Central Government and Parliament.
Around 45,000 kilometres of roads are being renovated for the convenience of residents. Since July 2022, nearly 90 per cent of households have been receiving free electricity and zero electricity bills.
To curb corruption in tehsils, Easy Registry and Easy Jamabandi services have also been introduced.

?1 Crore Assistance to Families of Martyred Soldiers
The Chief Minister said that in recognition of the contribution of brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while protecting the unity and integrity of the country, their families are being provided financial assistance of ?1 crore.
Appealing to Punjabis to remain committed to the ideals of the martyrs, Mann said everyone should take a solemn pledge to fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters and work collectively to make Punjab once again a prosperous, vibrant and flourishing ‘Rangla Punjab.’

Spectacular Parade, Cultural Performances and Development Tableaux
Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took the salute from an impressive march-past presented by contingents of the Punjab Police (male and female), BSF, PAP, Himachal Police, Punjab Home Guards, NCC, Scouts and Guides, and Punjab Police Band.
The parade was led by Parade Commander Dhirendra Verma, IPS, and Assistant Parade Commander Preet Kamal Singh, PPS.
A colourful cultural programme featuring PT displays, Giddha, Bhangra and traditional folk dances performed by school and college students enthralled the audience.
Tableaux showcasing the achievements of the ‘War Against Drugs’, Mawan Dhian Satkar Scheme, Chief Minister Health Scheme, agriculture, forestry and other sectors were also major attractions during the ??????.
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav, Ferozepur Urban MLA S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, Ferozepur Rural MLA Rajnish Kumar Dahiya, Guru Har Sahai MLA S. Fauja Singh Sarari, Zira MLA Naresh Kataria, Ferozepur Divisional Commissioner Smt. Babita, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, DIG Ferozepur Range Snehdeep Sharma, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.