Chandigarh/Malerkotla, January 26:
On the occasion of Republic Day, Cabinet Minister of Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs, Punjab, Dr. Ravjot Singh, unfurls the national flag at Zakir Hussain Stadium, Malerkotla. After unfurls the National flag, he inspected the parade and saluted the march-past. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Pallavi and SSP Gagan Ajeet Singh were also present on the occasion.
During the event, the MLA of Malerkotla, Jameel Ur Rehman, MLA of Amargarh, Professor Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra, Chairman of the District Planning Committee, Saqib Ali Raja, Chairman of the Market Committee, Karamjit Singh Kuthala, President of the Minority Welfare Committee, Zafir Ali, SDM Gurmeet Kumar Bansal, Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) Mrs. Roopa Dhaliwal, and representatives from the civil, police, and judicial administration were present.
In his address, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters who contributed to the nation’s struggle for independence, and on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, extended heartfelt congratulations to all Indians, especially Punjabis, residing both within India and abroad.
Addressing the people of Malerkotla, Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized that the Indian Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the establishment of the Republic of India, and that we take pride in being part of the world’s largest democracy. He noted that Punjabis made the greatest sacrifices during the freedom struggle and played a crucial role in India’s independence. He acknowledged that it is because of these sacrifices and the legacy of our great martyrs that we now live in an independent India.
The Cabinet Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Punjab government to the comprehensive development of urban areas. With available funds, the government has launched significant development projects across Punjab’s urban municipalities, including a grant of 450 crore rupees allocated for urban development works this fiscal year. Additionally, the government has increased sewerage treatment capacity by 2634 MLD to ensure clean water supply to urban residents.
Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to fulfilling the dreams of the great martyrs. He highlighted the renaming of Mohali International Airport after Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh and the installation of a statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh at the airport as key milestones in honoring the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He also announced that the ex-gratia amount for the families of martyrs has been increased from 50 lakh rupees to 1 crore rupees, and this scheme has been extended to Agniveers as well.
The Minister mentioned that the key focus areas of the government include employment, health, education, free electricity, and administrative reforms. He pointed out that in the last 34 months, the government has provided nearly 50,000 government jobs, with this initiative continuing. In the health sector, the government has set up 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, providing free treatment to millions, along with 80 types of medicines and 38 diagnostic tests available for free.
Dr. Ravjot Singh further announced that the government has purchased 58 new high-tech ambulances at a cost of 14 crore rupees, increasing the total number of high-tech ambulances to 325 across the state.
Regarding Malerkotla’s development, the Cabinet Minister said that to promote medical education, a medical college will be established at a cost of 325 crore rupees in Malerkotla, providing students with the opportunity to study close to home. Additionally, a district administrative complex worth 111 crore rupees will be built to streamline administrative processes.
In his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to providing high-quality health services to Punjab’s residents. He announced the approval of a 150-bed ESI hospital in Malerkotla at a cost of 7 crore rupees, which will serve the local and surrounding areas. Similarly, the construction of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate office building in Amargarh at a cost of 6.7 crore rupees has been completed and will soon be open for public use.
The Cabinet Minister concluded by saying that to encourage reading among the youth in Malerkotla, libraries are being built at the district level and in villages at a cost of 7.2 crore rupees.
On this occasion, the Minister paid tribute to all the great martyrs of India and wished for the prosperity and progress of Punjab and the nation. He also honored freedom fighters, Kargil martyrs, families of martyred soldiers, and distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions in various fields. Furthermore, the district Red Cross Society distributed sewing machines to the needy.
Additionally, educational institutions were granted a holiday on January 27 for their participation in the Republic Day celebrations.
