IEP Chandigarh, March 16
Asserting that the state has successfully completed the first lap of unprecedented development in the last one year, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that the state government is working untiringly not for forming the next government but for prosperity of the next generation. In a video message to the Punjabis on the occasion of completion of one year in office, the Chief Minister said that people of state had given a thumping verdict in favour of the Aam Aadmi Party during the assembly elections held last year. He said that during the last one year revolutionary changes have been witnessed in the state with his government making concerted efforts for ensuring the holistic development of Punjab and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Mann said that unlike the previous governments who did everything for forming the next government, his government is focusing largely on holistic growth of the next generation. The Chief Minister profusely thanked the people of Punjab for bestowing him this responsibility with a huge verdict. He said that this faith and love showered by people have filled him with humility to discharge this duty effectively. Bhagwant Mann solicited the fulsome support and cooperation of people especially the NRIs for carving out a new Punjab. The Chief Minister said that for the first time a government has been formed in Punjab which belongs exclusively to the people of state. He said that it is neither the government of the Badal nor of Captain but this is the government of every Punjabi. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that as per their aspirations no stone will be left unturned for the well being of the state adding that a new, progressive and vibrant Punjab will be carved out soon. The Chief Minister said that Punjab had witnessed massive development during last year adding that major thrust will be given to this growth and progress in the second year too. He said that with industries making a beeline to invest in the state, Punjab will soon emerge as an industrial hub in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann said that a major drive will be soon initiated against the drugs in the coming days to wipe out this menace from the state. Listing the several pro-people initiatives taken by his government in the last one year, the Chief Minister said that the state government has so far given 26,797 jobs to youth in the last one year to check brain drain. He said that the sole criteria for selection in this entire recruitment process are merit and the complete procedure is being followed in a transparent manner. Bhagwant Mann said that such a whopping number of jobs in merely one year reflect the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. The Chief Minister further said that the state government has fulfilled the guarantee of giving 300 units of free electricity per month from July 1. He said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that 87% of the households in the state have got zero power bills in the months of November-December, 2022. Bhagwant Mann said that he hails from a common family and knows well what are the problems being faced by them. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that the state government has regularized 14000 temporary employees in the state and the Cabinet has given nod for regularizing the same number of employees. He said that the state government has taken historic initiative to promote Moong as the third crop to bring farmers out of wheat/ paddy rut and save the precious water of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that MSP worth Rs 7275/- per quintal was announced on Moongi crop to supplement the income of farmers by Rs 30,000 per acre. The Chief Minister said that the state government has provided financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 1500/- per acre to the farmers for promotion of Direct Seeded Rice. He said that the state government has also paid the total outstanding amount of previous years of sugarcane cultivators. Bhagwant Mann also said that his government has for the first time ensured upward revision in daily wages of labour.
