Chandigarh/Bathinda, August 15:
“Various movements waged for the country’s independence and the struggles of the revolutionary martyrs and freedom fighters have made us a independent nation and we take pride that during the country’s independence struggle, Punjabis made the maximum sacrifices”, said Punjab Water Resources, Mining and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, while addressing the residents of Bathinda after hoisting the tricolour at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium to mark the 79th Independence day. He was accompanied by by MLA Bathinda (Urban) S. Jagroop Singh Gill, MLA Bathinda (Rural) Sh. Amit Ratan Kotfatta, MLA Bhucho Mandi Master Jagseer Singh and DIG Bathinda Range S. Harjeet Singh.
Earlier, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sh. Shaukat Ahmed Parray, SSP Bathinda Mrs. Amneet Kondal and Parade Commander DSP Sh. Ishan Singla, inspected the magnificent parade and took salutation from the march past.
While addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that after taking charge of the office, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann not only took oath at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh, but also decided to install portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the architect of the constitution Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar in government offices.
Highlighting the achievements, he said that Punjab has achieved the best performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024, securing first position by surpassing states like Kerala. To further elevate educational standards, 118 Schools of Eminence have been established. Under the “Sikhya Kranti,” infrastructure development projects worth Rs.2,000 crores have been dedicated in 12,000 government schools across the state.
He said that the 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state are providing first-class healthcare services to the people, where 107 types of medicines and 47 types of lab tests are conducted free of cost. Soon, 200 more Aam Aadmi Clinics will be opened, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that so far, 3.69 crores patients have received free treatment worth approximately Rs.1650 crores in these clinics.
He announced that the government will provide health cards under the “Chief Minister Sehat Yojana” to all Punjabis, offering cashless treatment up to Rs.10 lakh per family. This scheme will be implemented from October 2, 2025.
He said that under “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, free treatment of drug-affected patients is being provided at 55 de-addiction centers and 548 de-addiction medicine centers across the state. The Mann government has driven out drug smugglers from the state, made over 25,000 arrests and demolished houses of drug smugglers, proving that there is no place for drug dealers in Punjab.
As an exemplary initiative to prevent cross-border drug smuggling, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP’s National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal recently launched the anti-drone system “Baaz Akkh,” making Punjab the first state in the country to deploy this system on the international border, he added.
Listing significant achievements of Water Resources Department, the Cabinet Minister informed that our government has undertaken comprehensive water infrastructure projects that mark a transformative phase in Punjab’s irrigation and water supply systems. The Luther Canal System near the Pakistan border in Fazilka has been a priority initiative, addressing the critical water needs of border areas that have remained underserved for decades. This strategic project not only enhances agricultural productivity but also strengthens the economic foundation of our border regions, ensuring that farmers in these sensitive areas receive adequate water supply for their crops.
In Tarn Taran district, we have successfully restored 23 canals after a gap of 30-40 years, reviving an irrigation network that forms the backbone of the region’s agricultural economy, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that these canals had fallen into disrepair over the decades, leaving thousands of farmers struggling with inadequate water supply. The restoration work involved modern engineering techniques and substantial investment to ensure these waterways will serve the farming community reliably for generations to come.
He said that the Kandi area of Hoshiarpur district has witnessed massive infrastructure rehabilitation with the repair of approximately 1800 kms of underground pipeline. This extensive network overhaul has transformed water accessibility in one of Punjab’s most geographically challenging regions, where traditional irrigation methods had proven insufficient. The repaired pipeline system now ensures consistent water flow to areas that previously faced severe water scarcity, particularly during critical agricultural seasons.
He said that our commitment to reaching every corner of Punjab is evident in the identification and implementation of 28 new lift schemes specifically designed to provide water supply to untouched and remote Kandi areas of Rupnagar and Hoshiarpur districts. These schemes show a targeted approach to addressing water inequality, with 15 schemes already operational and providing immediate relief to communities that had limited access to clean water. The remaining projects are progressing according to schedule and will complete the comprehensive coverage of these challenging terrains.
For the first time since independence, we have undertaken the monumental task of capacity enhancement for major canals including the Sirhind Channel and Patiala Feeder. This historic achievement shows a quantum leap in Punjab’s irrigation infrastructure, significantly increasing the water carrying capacity and improving distribution efficiency across vast agricultural areas. The project required extensive planning, substantial financial investment and coordination with multiple stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to existing water supply during the enhancement process, he added.
He informed that the completion of the long-stalled Sirhind Feeder Channel re-lining project stands as a testament to our administration’s commitment to resolving infrastructure challenges that had plagued the system for years. This project had remained incomplete due to various administrative and technical hurdles, but our focused approach and dedicated resource allocation have finally brought it to successful completion, ensuring improved water flow and reduced seepage losses.
He said that the construction of 46 rural modern library buildings, completed at a cost of Rs.4 crores in district Bathinda, ensures that quality educational resources reach the most remote villages. These libraries are equipped with contemporary amenities and will serve as community knowledge centers, supporting literacy initiatives and providing students with access to books and digital resources that were previously unavailable in rural areas. Besides this, the District Library construction, completed at an investment of Rs.8.74 crores, along with the Book Depot established at Rs.1.81 crores, creates a comprehensive educational ecosystem that supports lifelong learning across all sections of society. These facilities feature modern architecture, climate-controlled environments for book preservation and digital cataloging systems that will make them benchmarks for library services in the region.
He said that environmental sustainability and water conservation remain central to our development philosophy, as demonstrated by the development of 125 ponds using advanced Thapar Model technology at a total investment of Rs.35 crores. With 70 ponds already completed and the remaining scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026, these water bodies serve multiple crucial purposes including groundwater recharge, flood control, aquaculture potential and supporting local ecosystems. The Thapar Model ensures scientific approach to pond construction with proper depth, embankment design and water retention capabilities.
Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development, we have prioritized the construction of 57 Anganwadi centers at a cost of Rs5.70 crores. With 50 centers already completed and the remaining 7 scheduled for completion by August 30, these facilities will provide essential healthcare, nutrition and early education services to children in their most formative years. Each center is designed to meet modern standards with proper ventilation, safety features and child-friendly infrastructure that creates an enabling environment for holistic development.
He said that employment generation and skill development initiatives are being strengthened through the establishment of 2 employment centers under the PAHAL project in Phul and Talwandi Sabo blocks, which are nearing completion. These centers will serve as catalysts for local employment generation, providing comprehensive skill development programs, job placement services and entrepreneurship support to youth in rural areas. The strategic location ensures accessibility for job seekers from surrounding villages while creating a hub for economic activity.
Administrative infrastructure modernization has been achieved through the construction of an SDM Complex in Talwandi Sabo and new complexes in sub-tehsils Nathana, Balianwali and Goniana at a total cost of Rs.14.3 crores. The completion of complexes in Nathana and Balianwali, with others progressing rapidly shows our commitment to bringing government services closer to the people. These modern facilities feature efficient layouts, digital infrastructure and citizen-friendly designs that will significantly improve service delivery and reduce the time and effort required for administrative processes.
Highlighting development works done in district Bathinda, the Cabinet Minister said that urban development initiatives have transformed Bathinda’s transportation infrastructure, with the completion of Ring Road construction at a cost of Rs.94.11 crores representing a major milestone in the city’s growth trajectory. This project has dramatically improved traffic flow, reduced congestion in the city center and enhanced connectivity between different parts of Bathinda. The Ring Road has become a crucial economic corridor, facilitating business development and improving the overall quality of urban life for residents and visitors alike.
He said that ongoing transportation projects include the Multania Bridge construction with an investment of Rs.38.8 crores, scheduled for completion by September 2025. This bridge will provide vital connectivity across water bodies, significantly reducing travel time and transportation costs for thousands of daily commuters. Similarly, the Amarpura Basti Overbridge construction, requiring an investment of Rs.49.8 crore and expected to complete by October 2025, will eliminate traffic bottlenecks and improve safety for both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
He said that sanitation infrastructure has received major attention with comprehensive sewerage pipeline installation in Maur Mandi, Kotsamir and Sangat Mandi at a cost of Rs.34.26 crore. This project addresses long-standing sanitation challenges and will significantly improve public health conditions in these urban areas. The modern sewerage system incorporates advanced waste treatment technologies and proper drainage mechanisms that will handle current and future waste management needs while preventing environmental contamination.
The Cabinet Minister said that we are installing solar panels on all government buildings. This initiative will dramatically reduce energy costs, minimize the government’s carbon footprint. Besides this, solar energy work progressing at District Hospital Bathinda and various healthcare centers with an investment of Rs.1.61 crores will ensure uninterrupted power supply for critical healthcare services while contributing to environmental sustainability.
He said that healthcare infrastructure development is one of our most significant investments in human welfare, with Rs.34.55 crore allocated for comprehensive healthcare facility construction across the district. This program includes the establishment of 13 Aam Aadmi Clinics that bring quality healthcare services directly to communities, ensuring that basic medical care is accessible without requiring travel to distant hospitals. The construction of 16 Health & Wellness Centers provides comprehensive primary healthcare services including preventive care, health education and basic treatment facilities that serve as the first point of contact for medical needs.
The healthcare expansion includes 3 strategically located Primary Health Centers designed to serve underserved areas with comprehensive medical facilities, along with an Admin Block at District Hospital that will improve administrative efficiency and patient service coordination. A specialized Blood Storage Unit at Community Health Center Bhagta enhances emergency medical services and ensures blood availability for critical cases, while the new block construction at Sub-Division Hospital Rampura significantly expands healthcare capacity in the region.
Addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse, we have established a de-addiction center at Central Jail Bathinda, providing rehabilitation services within the correctional system and helping inmates overcome addiction issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. This innovative approach combines punishment with rehabilitation, offering inmates a genuine opportunity for reformation and successful reintegration into society upon release.
The implementation of tele-medicine facilities in village clinics is a revolutionary approach to bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. These facilities ensure that specialist medical consultation is accessible to remote communities without requiring expensive and time-consuming travel to major hospitals. Patients can now receive expert medical advice, follow-up consultations and specialized care recommendations through modern communication technology.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that under the Punjab Development Scheme for 2025-26, Bathinda district will receive Rs.5 crore per Assembly constituency, totaling Rs.30 crores for comprehensive development works across all constituencies for grassroots development and ensuring equitable progress that reaches every corner of the district. The scheme’s efficient implementation is evident in the timely release of funds, with the first and second quarter amounts of Rs.2.50 crore per constituency, totaling Rs.15 crores, already received and being utilized for priority development activities identified through extensive community consultation and needs assessment processes.
The Cabinet Minister announced Rs.5 lakh grant for Mahant Gurbanta Das School (for special needs children) run by District Red Cross Society. He declared holiday for all schools in the district on August 16.
During the ceremony, magnificent march past contingents including Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards and Civil Defense, NCC boys and girls, NCC Third Punjab Naval, Home Nursing, Scouts and Girl Guides, Punjab Police and Army Second Jat Band, led by Parade Commander DSP Sh. Ishan Singla took salute.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Goyal also honoured freedom fighters and war widows by distributing sewing machines and tricycles to the needy, while also recognizing participating students and achievers from various fields including officers and employees, farmers who refrained from stubble burning, sports champions, environmentalists and representatives of social service organizations.
Earlier, various departments including Punjab Police, Municipal Corporation, Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission, MGNREGA, Health Department, Agriculture, Chief Minister’s Yoga Center, District Program and Verka Milk Plant presented tableaux showcasing their respective departmental activities.
Approximately 1,700 students from different schools performed PT displays during the ceremony. Schools including St. Joseph Convent School, Lord Rama Public School, Mahant Gurbanta Das School for Specially-abled Bathinda and DAV School presented choreographed performances. Additionally, students from various schools performed traditional Giddha and Bhangra dances.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem by students from Shaheed Major Ravi Inder Singh Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) and Mahant Gurbanta Das School for Specially-abled Bathinda.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries including District and Sessions Judge Sh. Karunesh Kumar and other Additional District and Sessions Judges, AIG Counter Intelligence Avneet Kaur Sidhu, various department chairmen and officials, along with education officers, sports coordinators, counselors and a large number of school students, officers and staff members.
