Mukerian (Hoshiarpur): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday asserted that his government’s politics is dedicated to the progress and prosperity of Punjab, claiming the state is steadily emerging as a national leader in education, healthcare, welfare and public services.
Addressing a large public gathering in Mukerian, the Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has fulfilled its key promises by expanding access to quality education, strengthening healthcare, providing free electricity and creating employment opportunities without corruption.
‘Politics Is Meant to Serve People’
Speaking at the rally, Mann said his objective was never to enjoy the privileges of power but to improve the lives of the people of Punjab.
He said the government’s focus remains on ensuring that development reaches every household through better public services and welfare programmes.
Read also: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Distributes Appointment Letters to 665 PSPCL Candidates in Bathinda
Sharp Attack on Congress and Akali Dal
The Chief Minister also launched a political attack on the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing both parties of prioritising political interests over public welfare.
Referring to the Congress, Mann alleged that its leaders were divided over the race for the Chief Minister’s post and claimed internal rivalries had weakened the party.
He also alleged that Congress leaders had spoken about discontinuing welfare schemes if voted to power.
Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann accused the party of misusing religion for political gains and alleged that previous governments allowed mafia networks and drug-related activities to flourish in the state.
He reiterated that those responsible for the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib would face legal action.
Punjab Tops Education Rankings, Says CM
Highlighting education reforms, Mann claimed that Punjab has secured the top position in the country in primary and middle school education, citing recent NITI Aayog data.
According to him, the achievement is the result of sustained investment in:
- Modern teacher training
- Smart classrooms
- Improved school infrastructure
He described education as the most effective tool to eradicate poverty and address long-term social challenges.
Government Highlights Welfare and Development Initiatives
Presenting his government’s report card, Mann outlined achievements across multiple sectors.
Among the key claims made by the Chief Minister:
- Over 90% of households are receiving zero electricity bills under the free power scheme.
- More than 68,000 youth have secured government jobs without corruption or political recommendations.
- Canal irrigation coverage has increased from 22% to 88%, while groundwater levels have improved by 2 to 4 metres.
- The Chief Minister’s Health Scheme offers cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for 65 lakh families, with over 30 lakh health cards already issued.
- Farmers received uninterrupted daytime electricity for more than eight hours during the paddy cultivation season.
Update on Women’s Welfare Scheme
Mann also spoke about the Maanvaan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, under which women above the age of 18 receive financial assistance.
According to the Chief Minister:
- Women above 18 years receive ₹1,000 per month.
- Women belonging to Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500 per month.
He said women who could not register for the scheme in July would receive the accumulated benefits for three months together in August.
He assured beneficiaries that the scheme would continue as long as his government remained in office.
Message on Social Media
Following the rally, Mann thanked the people of Mukerian in a post on social media platform X.
He said the affection and trust shown by the public strengthened his resolve to continue working for Punjab’s development.
The Chief Minister stated that initiatives such as free electricity, better schools, financial assistance for women and improved healthcare had become a reality for the people of Punjab, and called upon citizens to join the government’s efforts to make the state the country’s leading performer across sectors.
