Patiala, January 26:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday felicitated prominent officers/officials, participants and persons from various walks of life during the Republic Day Celebrations for their remarkable contribution towards society and the state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann bestowed Chief Minister Rakshak Padak to Assistant Sub Inspectors Manna Singh and Rajinder Singh, Lady Senior Constable Kulwinder Kaur, Punjab Home Guard Gurdeep Singh and Senior Constable Gurpreet Singh.  He also conferred Chief Minister’s Medal for outstanding Devotion to Duty to cops including Superintendents of Police Navreet Singh Virk, Jasmeet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Digvijay Kapil and Harinder Singh, Commandant Parampal Singh, AIG Avneet Kaur Sidhu, Deputy Superintendent of Police Samarpal Singh, Inspectors Pran, Pritpal Singh, Sukhminder Singh and Manfool Singh, Sub Inspectors Rajesh Kumar, Parminder Singh, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sumit Aeri, Assistant Sub Inspector Harpal Singh, Head Constable Mukhjit Singh and C II Simranjit Singh.    

The Chief Minister also honoured Parade Commander Vaneet Ahlawat IPS, second commander Ramanpreet Singh Gill PPS and other eminent personalities including Dr Jatinder Kansal (Retd. Civil Surgeon), Dr Jagpal Inder, MS Rajindra Hospital Dr Girish Sahni, Dr Satish Kumar, Dr Sanjeev Arora, Dr Krishev Garg, AM Jogi, Dhanjit Kaur, Ankit Singla, Bal Krishna Singla, Dr Rajdeep Singh, Dr Inderpreet Sandhu, Aamer Singh, Partap Singh, Harjinder Singh, Damini, Vaibhav Rajouria, Baljit Singh, Latif Mohammed, Tina Khanna, Suresh Kumar, Jaspreet Kaur, Jaswinder Singh, XEN PPCB Gurkiran Singh, SDO PPCB Mohit Singla, Gagandeep Singh, Anmoljit Singh, Jai Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Hawaldar Vijay Sharda, Yadwinder Singh, Dilbar Singh, Aswant Singh PPS, Amanndeep Singh Hawaldar, Satnam Singh Hawaldar, SI Jaswinder Singh, ASI Balwinder Singh, SI Roop Singh, Varinder Singh Constable, SI Bhagwan Singh, Hawaldar Tara Chand, Constable Mann Singh, SI Pavitar Singh, Head Constable Kamaljit Singh, Head Master Navneet Singh, ETT Teachers Sukhwinder Kaur and Mohan Singh, Vijay Kapoor, Amit Kumar, Saranpreet Kaur, Raj Kumar, Sukhwinder Singh, Baldevt Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Pableen Singh Dhanju, Yogeshwar Kashyap, Satish Kumar, Vijay Kumar Goel, Paramjot Singh, Gurdarshan Singh Chamoli, Munish Kumar, Tinku, Dharmpal Singh, Rakesh Arora, Reena Rani, Pooja Verma, Kuldeep Kaur, Rajesh Walia, Supreet Bajwa, Piyush Aggarwal, Sangram Singh, Amrik Singh, Jobanpreet Kaur, Sukhdev Singh, Hukam Chand, Tarsem Lal, Sohan Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Ajit Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Nachattar Singh, Darshan Singh, Amarjeet Singh, Baljit Singh, Balwinder Singh and Sima Parsi.    

The Chief Minister also felicitated family members of Shaheed Sipahi Bhupinder Singh, Shaheed Gunner Amrik Singh, Shaheed Nayak Rajwinder Singh, Shaheed Hawaldar Mukhtiar Singh and Shaheed Nayak Harjinder Singh who had attained martyrdom during operation Rakshak of Indian Army. He also awarded certificates to Mangal Singh, Virjesh Kumar and Amandeep Singh under the FARISHTEY Scheme.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, January 26

Punjab Finance, Planning, Programme Implementation, and Taxation and Excise Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema unfurled the National Flag during the district-level function organized to commemorate the 76th Republic Day of India at Police Line Stadium Sangrur, inspected the parade and took the salute from various contingents.

Addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended heartfelt congratulations to all citizens on this significant occasion. He reminded everyone that the implementation of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, marked the establishment of the Republic of India, and we take pride in being the largest democracy in the world. He also paid homage to Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema saluted the brave heroes of the armed forces, acknowledging their crucial role in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India.

 Sharing insights into various pro-people initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab government is deeply committed to the welfare of army personnel, families of martyrs, and ex-servicemen. The state government has increased the ex-gratia amount for the kin of martyred soldiers from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore and provides financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of police personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the state and country. He highlighted that the Punjab government has increased the pension of freedom fighters and their heirs from Rs 9400 to Rs 11 thousand and there is 1% reservation in direct recruitment for the heirs of freedom fighters.

Finance Minister Cheema proudly announced that the state has surpassed Rs 30,000 crore in revenue generation from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and excise for the first time in the first nine months of a financial year, with a total revenue of over Rs 31,156 crore generated by December. He said the Punjab government launched the “Bill Liyao Inam Pao” scheme to encourage people to obtain purchase bills, under which 3850 winners have received prizes totaling Rs 2 crore 27 lakh 40 thousand for uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app by January 2025. The scheme, initiated in September 2023, has successfully held 16 draws so far. Minister Cheema appealed to the public to obtain bills for purchased goods to avoid fraud and contribute to the state’s development.

Finance Minister Cheema reiterated the Punjab government’s dedication to strengthening the state’s economy, generating employment, providing better health, education, and sports facilities, offering free electricity to alleviate inflation, and implementing administrative reforms. He said that approximately 50,000 government jobs have been provided in the last 34 months, and this trend will continue.

He also mentioned significant initiatives in Sangrur district, including the C-PYTE center in village Kheri, 35 Aam Aadmi clinics in villages and 11 in urban areas, the upgradation of Government Civil Hospital Sangrur, the construction of an additional floor at the Nursing College, a new block of Sub-Divisional Hospital, and Maternal and Child Care Building in Dhuri, a community health center in Kauhrian, and the establishment of eight Schools of Eminence with transport facilities.

The minister proudly shared that the Punjab Government has purchased the private thermal plant in Goindwal Sahib for Rs 1080 crore, making it the first state government to acquire a private thermal plant. He also highlighted the construction of Ambedkar Bhawan, a community center in Dirba, at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore for organizing social events without hefty charges.

 The event featured tableaux depicting important projects of the Punjab Government, including the Health Department’s Non-Communicable Disease Control Program, CM Yogshala, Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan Season 3, a campaign to stop stubble burning, PSPCL, School of Eminence, MGNREGA Scheme, and SSF. Minister Cheema honoured the family members of freedom fighters during the event.

Students from various schools performed Bengali folk dance, traditional Punjabi folk dances Giddha and Bhangra, and patriotic cultural programs, which were well-received by the audience. Sewing machines were distributed to the needy, and tricycles were given to the disabled. The chief guest Harpal Singh Cheema honoured various personalities from Sangrur district for commendable achievements in various fields.

Impressed by the students’ performances, Minister Cheema announced a holiday on January 27 for participating schools. Minister Cheema also awarded the first place tableau to Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), second place to PSPCL, and third place to School of Eminence and Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan. The parade commander DSP Major Gurpreet Singh and other parade contingent in-charges were also honored. The district administration, represented by Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, honoured Finance Minister Cheema and MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj with mementos.

Earlier, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, along with MLA Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi, and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, paid tribute to martyrs at the Police Memorial in Police Lines.

The event saw the presence of District and Sessions Judge Munish Singal, judicial officers, Punjab Small Scale Industries Corporation Chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Jasvir Singh Kudni, Gau Sewa Commission Chairman Ashok Singla, Improvement Trust Chairman Pritam Singh Peetu, Market Committee Sangrur Chairman Avtar Singh Elwal, Market Committee Dhuri Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli, OSD of Cabinet Minister Tapinder Singh Sohi, ADC (Development) Sukhchain Singh Papra, CM Field Officer Dr. Karamjit Singh, SDM Sangrur Charanjot Singh Walia, Assistant Commissioner Under Training Dr. Aditya, and Assistant Commissioner Upinderjit Kaur Brar, along with other administrative and police officers, department heads, school students, teachers, and city residents.

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, 26 January:

Punjab School Education, Higher Education, Technical Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Sunday unfurled the National Flag to mark 76th Republic Day at Police Lines ground, Hoshiarpur.

Paying rich tributes to great martyrs and freedom fighters of Independence movement, Harjot Bains urged the people to make concerted efforts for realising their dreams.

After unfurling the tricolour during district level function held at local police lines ground, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains inspected the parade, besides taking salute from an impressive march past. He also honoured families of freedom fighters; and distributed motor-tricycles and sewing machines to needy people.

In his address the Minister acknowledged the contribution of brave soldiers of three forces and other armed forces for their immense contribution in safeguarding the inity and integrity of the nation. He also paid rich tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, an architect of Indian Constitution, asserting that with implementation of Indian constitution on January 26, 1950, India had achieved an honour of becoming one of the largest democracies in the world.

Recalling  role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle, the Minister said our history had been filled with the historical events like Jallianwala massacre. He added that it is a matter of pride that maximum number of martyrs of national freedom struggle belonged to Punjab.

Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains asserted that Punjab government is fully committed to fulfil the dreams of great martyrs. “After taking oath at ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, the government had got photo of Sardar Bhagat Singh and Dr B.R. Ambedkar installed in all the government offices. Apart from ensuring Mohali’s international airport to be named after great martyr Sardar Bhagat Singh, Punjab had installed the statue of Shaheed-e-Azam at the airport.

The Minister also highlighted the Punjab government’s initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of army personnel, martyrs’ families, and retired soldiers, including the increase of ex-gratia payments for martyr’s families to ₹1 crore and providing financial support of ₹1 crore to the families of police personnel who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.  The State government had also enhanced financial assistance to Dharmi Faujis (Army Deserters) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12000 per month, besides increasing monthly pensions to the freedom fighters or their kins from Rs 9400 to Rs 11,000.

Listing other achievements, Harjot Singh Bains said the government had provided government services to nearly 50,000 youths in past 34 months and held 4,862 placement drives in which 2.72 lakh youths were given jobs in private sector. More than 10,000 youths were recruited in Punjab police from April 2022 onwards.

The state government had opened 881 Aam Aadmi clinics, said Minister,  across the state providing quality healthcare services. Bains said as many as 118 school of eminence were established, of which five were located in Hoshiarpur district only. From April 2022 onwards, 10,376 teachers had been recruited in education department. As many as 198 school principals and school administrators were sent on special training at Singapore, 150 head-masters at IIM Ahmadabad and 72 primary school teachers at University of Turku, Finland.

Speaking on School of Happiness , Bains said nine scuh schools would be established in Hoshiarpur district and nearly 81,749 students enrolled in government school across the district were provided with funds worth Rs 4.90 crore for school uniform. The funds worth Rs 12.52 crore had been provided for the construction of boundary walls of primary schools in the district.

Meanwhile, Cabinet minister assured that the state government is committed to overcome shortage of teachers in Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts very shortly. He congratulated the district administration after Hoshiarpur district was adjudged with Best Green District Award in the country under Centre government’s green school programme scheme.

In technical education, the state government had increased seats in state to 52,000 this year after receiving enthusiasm for m different streams in these industrial institutes. Bains said that 1076 helpline launched by the state government to provide citizens services at the door steps of the people also provided services in a smooth manner. On state’s agriculture, Bains said Punjab’s mandi system has been remained at the top in the country as the state leads to contribute maximum of 46.8% of wheat in the central pool. The area under basmati had increased by 14% last year. Due to concerted efforts of state government, the state witnessed a steep drop of 70% in the cases of stubble burning and only 75 cases of straw burning were reported in Hoshiarpur district.

Referring to Sadak Surakhya Force, a first of its kind initiative of state government, had come up as life saviour in Punjab as it provided immediate assistance to the accident victims in 19,000 cases so far, with response time of 6.45 minutes.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Bains also announced holiday in participating schools and colleges.  Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLAs Bram Shanker Jimpa, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, Karamvir Singh Ghuman, Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, IG (Intelligence) Babu Lal Meena, SSP Surendra Lamba, District planning committee chairperson Karamjit Kaur and AAP’s district president Gurwinder Singh Pabla and dignitaries from different fields.

Chandigarh/Ferozepur, January 26

          Punjab Power and Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today unfurled the national flag during the district-level celebrations of the 76th Republic Day at Cantt Board Stadium, Ferozepur. The Minister, who was the chief guest at the event, delivered a message to the district residents, inspected the parade, and took the salute from the parade. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and SSP Somya Mishra.

          In his address, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted several pro-people initiatives taken by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He mentioned that 90 percent of the domestic consumers in the state are now receiving zero electricity bills, following the announcement of free electricity. Additionally, the government achieved a significant milestone by purchasing the Goindwal Power Plant for Rs. 1080 crores, making it the first state government in India to acquire a private power plant. He further stated that Rs. 9330 crores have been allocated for providing free electricity to the agriculture sector in the current financial year.

          The Minister also shared the government’s efforts to promote sports, including distributing cash prizes to medal-winning athletes and completing the synthetic athletic track at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Ferozepur at a cost of Rs. 7 crores. He proudly said that 11 renowned players have been given jobs as PCS and DSP, and out of the 100 Indian athletes in the Paris Olympics, 19 were from Punjab.

          Earlier, the Cabinet Minister, along with MLAs and district officials, paid homage at the memorials of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, freedom fighter B.K. Dutt, and Rajmata at Hussainiwala Shaheed Smarak. After offering floral tributes, he emphasized that the freedom enjoyed today is a result of the sacrifices made by these martyrs. The Minister also paid homage to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and congratulated all citizens on Republic Day. He called upon the younger generation to follow the path shown by martyrs and contribute to the nation’s prosperity with a spirit of patriotism.

          Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh said that the Republic Day reminds us of the dreams envisioned by our martyrs and freedom fighters for India’s future and provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements. He also mentioned the Punjab Government’s efforts to develop Ferozepur as a tourism hub.

          The district-level celebrations of the Republic Day showcased beautiful tableaux presented by various district departments, including the Health Department, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Lead Bank, CM Yoga Shala, District Legal Services Authority, and Municipal Council. Students from various schools performed musical bands, Punjab folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra, and patriotic cultural programs. Tricycles and sewing machines were distributed to the needy, and the district administration honoured freedom fighters, families of Kargil martyrs, youth clubs, athletes, social service organizations, and well-performing officers and employees. The chief guest Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh and his family members were also honoured with mementos.

          MLA Ferozepur Urban S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Mr. Rajnish Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai S. Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA Zira Mr. Naresh Kataria, District and Sessions Judge Mr. Virinder Agarwal, DIG Ferozepur Range S. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, SP (D) Mr. Randhir Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bambah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) S. Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa, Chairman District Planning Committee S. Chand Singh Gill, Chairman Market Committee Ferozepur S. Balraj Singh Katora, Mr. Dharawat Sai Prakash IPS (Under Training), along with all the heads of departments, officers, and employees of the district were present.

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.

Chandigarh/ Faridkot 26 January, 2025:

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan unfurled the National Flag as chief guest during the district-level celebrations of the 76th Republic day at Nehru Stadium in Faridkot.  On this occasion, he inspected the parade and also took salute from the march past.  MLA Faridkot Gurdit Singh Sekhon, MLA Jaito Amolak Singh were also present on this function.

          In his address, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that India has got the freedom only due to the sacrifices of its great warriors, heroes and the struggle of freedom fighters. He added that the Indian Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950 and India has the pride of being the largest democracy in the world.

          He further said that I salute our great heroes and patriots and wish for the progress and prosperity of our state.  He said that Punjab Government is committed to the all-round development of the state and in the last three years, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken historic decisions for the pro-people initiatives and development of the state.

          S. Sandhwan said that Punjab is the land of Gurus and Punjab government wanted to start air travel for five Takht Sahibans in coordination with the Central Government.  This would provide great convenience to the people of the country.  He also said that the state government would also commence air ambulance service for the treatment of the people.

          S. Sandhwan appealed to the Center to give up its stubborn attitude and immediately resolve the issues of the farmers of the state so that they do not have to be forced into any kind of struggle.  He said that Punjab is the backbone of the country and contributing immensely to make the country self-reliant in the food grain sector.

          Students from various schools presented PT shows, cultural programs, patriotic items, Giddha and Bhangra, etc on this event.  Besides this, tableaux depicting welfare and development works by various departments were also displayed and patriotism vis-a-vis cultural programs was the center of attraction.  S. Sandhwan honored the families of martyrs and freedom fighters, along with renowned personalities who achieved laurels in various fields as well as officers/employees of various departments for their excellent services.

          On this occasion, Divisional Commissioner Manjit Singh Brar, District and Sessions Judge Navjot Kaur, ADGP Shiv Kumar Verma, VC Dr. Rajiv Sood, Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, SSP Dr. Pragya Jain, Information Commissioner Sandeep Dhaliwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Ojasvi Alankar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Narbhinder Singh Grewal, SDM Faridkot Major Varun Kumar, Assistant Commissioner (G) Tushita Gulati, Advocate Birinder Singh Sandhwan, District Youth President AAP Sukhwant Singh Pakka, Amandeep Singh Baba Chairman Market Committee Faridkot, Gurtej Singh Khosa Chairman Improvement Trust, Ramandeep Mumara Chairman Market Committee, Chairman Planning Board Sukhjit Singh Dhilwa, Lachhman Singh Bhagtuana Chairman Market Committee Jaito, Amandeep Singh PA, Jasbir Jassi, and officers of various departments and school students were also present.

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, January 26

          Punjab Minister for Mines & Geology, Soil & Water Conservation, and Water Resources, Advocate Barinder Kumar Goyal, unfurled  the National Flag at Shaheed Major Harminderpal Singh (Shaurya Chakra) Government College in SAS Nagar, Mohali. He also took the salute from the march past and enjoyed the cultural performances presented by the students.

          Saluting the Freedom Fighters of Nation and Architects of the Constitution, Goyal emphasized that the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab is committed to transforming the state in accordance with the true spirit of the Constitution. He noted that the dreams of freedom fighters and the architects of the Constitution are being realized in Punjab through good governance.

          He said that Punjab is the first state to have portraits of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh and Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Government Offices instead of political leaders. He said that the Bhagwant Mann Government was also instrumental in resolving the issue of naming of International Airport Mohali in the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh besides installing a 30 feet tall statue of Sardar Bhagat outside Airport.

          He said that the Punjab Government is focusing on quality education and health services in the state by setting up Schools of Eminence and Aam Aadmi Clinics. Bhagwant Mann Government has given 50,000 jobs in Government sector since it came to existence in Punjab and the only criteria for the jobs is merit.

          He said that Bhagwant Mann Government has been digging a 150 KM Canal at Rs 2300 Crores for irrigation of two lakh acres of land in Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts besides work on three canals in Pathankot underway to supply first time water for irrigation in this area. Besides, projects worth Rs 2100 Crores have already been in the offing of repairs, re-lining of water sources.

          Minister Goyal said that the state has successfully introduced Punjab Miner Minerals Policy 2023 by auctioning 74 public sites. Another 100 sites will soon be put on auction to get more revenue.

          Interacting with the media, the Minister said that the southern parts of Punjab have the potential of having potash stock that will further add to the revenue of the state when extracted from the soil.

          He said that Mohali soon has a sports infrastructure upgrade with the installation of 8 lane 400 mtr synthetic track at Multipurpose Stadium of Sector 78 at a cost of Rs 9.19 Crore,  replacement of global standard astroturf at Senior Balbir Singh International Hockey Stadium, Sector 63 at Rs 3.13 Crore besides laying of PU flooring of Sector 63 and 78 stadiums’ sports indoor halls. He also announced to upgrade the ESI dispensary of Kharar and Derabassi to 30 and 100 beds’ hospitals respectively in the coming days by the state.

          Earlier, he inspected the R-day Parade with DC Aashika Jain and SSP Deepak Pareek,  led by Parade Commander Preet Kanwar Singh DSP of the 2022 batch.

          Five veer Naris (widows of army martyrs) were also felicitated to commemorate the services rendered by the soldiers to protect the borders of the country.

          About 1500 students were the part of the Republic Celebrations scheduled at Govt College Mohali and they regaled the audience with their patriotic presentations.

           He also gave 12 sewing machines on behalf of District Red Cross Society to the needy women.

     About 48 persons having distinction in various fields and exceptional service records were also felicitated by the Chief Guest.

          To make people aware of the importance of Yoga in daily life, the trainers working in the district under CM di Yogshala presented a Yoga Show in an impressive way.

           MLA Kulwant Singh, Chairperson DPC, Prabhjot Kaur, Chairman, Milkfed Narinder Singh Shergill, Member, Punjab State Traders Commission, Vineet Verma, Vice Chairman, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Subhash Sharma and AAP Spokesperson, Harsukhinder Singh Babbi Badal were among the prominent persons present during the function.

          Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla also joined the Republic Day Celebrations.