Dirba/Sangrur, August 31:- The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to strengthen basic infrastructure in villages, provide better sports and employment opportunities to the youth, and economically empower women by equipping them with vocational skills.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated this while launching and reviewing various development works at Dhandoli Kalan village.
The Cabinet Minister launched the work for setting up a 66-KV grid substation at a cost of Rs 5 crore to further strengthen the power supply infrastructure in the area. He also initiated the construction of a new water tank at a cost of Rs 1.14 crore to ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water to the residents of the village.
On the occasion, Cheema said that the four-kilometre-long road from Dhandoli Kalan to Rogla is being constructed at a cost of Rs 2.60 crore. He said that directions have been issued to expedite the work, with a target to complete the road within the next 10 to 15 days.
In addition, work on a multi-purpose sports stadium costing Rs 1.44 crore is also underway in the village. The Cabinet Minister said that the stadium is being developed on land provided by the village Panchayat with the objective of encouraging rural youth to take up sports.
He said that facilities for various sports, including football, hockey, cricket, kabaddi and volleyball, are being developed at the stadium. He added that the requisite funds would also be provided for earth filling and other remaining works to ensure the timely completion of the stadium.
Besides this, the village pond is also being rejuvenated at a cost of Rs 20 lakh.
During his visit, Harpal Singh Cheema also inspected the stitching and embroidery training centre functioning in the village and interacted with the girls undergoing training there. He said that fashion designing, stitching and embroidery offer immense opportunities for employment and self-employment, and rural girls can become economically self-reliant by transforming their skills into viable business ventures.
He said that traditional Punjabi attire, Phulkari and handmade products are in considerable demand among Punjabis settled abroad. By effectively using digital and online platforms, women and girls from villages can market their products to customers across India as well as overseas.
The Cabinet Minister informed that more than 400 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are actively functioning in the Dirba constituency. Women associated with these groups are producing Phulkari items, suits, pickles and various other household products.
He said that ‘Dirba Di Phulkari’ is carving out a distinct identity owing to its unique craftsmanship, adding that the government would further promote the branding and marketing of such products to provide better economic opportunities to rural women.
Cheema further informed that appointment letters were also handed over to Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and helpers at Dirba. He said that while the Punjab Government is providing employment opportunities to eligible candidates in a transparent manner, it is simultaneously strengthening healthcare and social welfare services at the grassroots level.
Responding to a question from journalists regarding political alliances, Harpal Singh Cheema said that the people of Punjab are well aware of the performance of previous governments and are now giving priority to development, employment, quality education, better healthcare facilities and transparent governance.
Replying to another question regarding the demands of farmers, the Cabinet Minister said that several major demands of the farming community pertain to the Union Government. He said that the Union Government should reopen channels of dialogue with farmers, listen to their demands seriously and work towards resolving their issues through meaningful dialogue.
Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to further strengthening basic infrastructure, sports facilities, skill development, women’s empowerment and employment opportunities in every village of the state, including those in the Dirba constituency.
He asserted that there would be no shortage of funds for development works and that projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the people would continue to be implemented on priority.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were OSD Tapinder Singh Sohi, Market Committee Dirba Chairperson Jasvir Kaur Shergill and Market Committee Sular Gharat Chairman Harwinder Singh Chhajli, besides various office-bearers, prominent citizens, Panches, Sarpanches and a large number of residents from the village and surrounding areas.