Ludhiana: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today called upon people to join hands and wage a war against social maladies like unemployment, corruption, communalism and social discrimination to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and make a ‘Rangla Punjab ‘

Addressing a gathering at the state level function to mark Independence Day at Guru Nanak Stadium here today, the Chief Minister said that these maladies are hampering the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Unfurling the Tricolour on the occasion, he said that the time has come to weed out these maladies, adding that this mission cannot be accomplished without the active support of the people.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and honour for every Indian that our country has completed 75 years as an Independent and democratic Republic today. Congratulating all the countrymen especially Punjabis in India and across the world on this historic occasion, Bhagwant Mann said that India’s road to independence was long and hard, but equally difficult is the path to maintain this freedom.

The Chief Minister also said that as a colony of British Empire our country had suffered a lot and the brave and determined heroes of our freedom struggle made enormous sacrifices to remove the shackles of foreign imperialism. He said that is on record that more than 80% of the great patriots who laid down their lives or were subjected to British tyranny in one form or other were Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that a string of gems like Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani and many others, shed their blood to achieve an independent nation for us.

The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate if some people are posing questions over the contribution of great martyrs. He reminded the people that these great national heroes and martyrs relentlessly fought to free the country from the shackles of the British regime. He said questioning the credentials of martyrs is an unpardonable crime.

The Chief Minister asserted that even today Punjabis are at forefront to safeguard the borders of the country. He said that Punjabis led the nation from the front whenever India faced any challenge from internal or external aggression. It is a known fact that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state have played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production, Bhagwant Mann added.

The Chief Minister lamented that even 75 years after Independence the dreams of our freedom fighters and great national heroes like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar remain unfulfilled. He said that people had high hopes from the many governments that assumed power in the state through the decades after independence, but most served to dash these hopes because corruption, poverty, unemployment and many other ills are still deeply embedded in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Aam Aadmi government which assumed the charge of office early this year has come like a breath of fresh air into Punjab as it is not only committed to fulfil the aspirations of people of the state, but has pledged to fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters.

Exhorting all Punjabis to play an active role to once again make Punjab prosperous and a front runner state of the country, the Chief Minister said that the sapling planted by people of state in form of bringing government of Aam Aadmi in assembly elections held early this year, has started bearing fruits now. He said that from now onwards Punjab will daily script a new success story of development and progress. Bhagwant Mann said that new vistas of employment will be generated and the state will soon become a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

The Chief Minister asserted that with the active support and cooperation of our people the state government is working hard to realise the dream of freedom fighters. He expressed hope that Punjab will scale new heights of development and prosperity in the state. On this momentous occasion, Bhagwant Mann urged the people to rededicate themselves to cement the bonds of love, peace and communal harmony enshrined by our great Gurus and saints, and to fulfil the vision of our freedom fighters and national heroes.

The Chief Minister asked the people to remain vigilant of the nefarious designs of some fissiparous forces to destabilise the state. He said that these forces want to derail the peace and progress of state. Bhagwant Mann said that though the land of Punjab is very fertile and anything can be grown on it but seeds of hatred and communalism can never germinate here.

Invoking the bani of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Chief Minister urged the people to refrain from the inhuman practice of female foeticide. He said that girls must be given a chance to excel in life. Bhagwant Mann said that girls are today proving their mettle in every field and becoming an equal partner in socio-economic growth of country.

The Chief Minister further said that great Gurus have shown the way to Punjabis to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that bani and life of great Guru sahibans have ever inspired the Punjabis to make supreme sacrifices at the altar of motherland. Bhagwant Mann said that we must follow the footsteps of great Gurus, saints and seers to serve the state zealously.

The Chief Minister also said that from day one in office, the state government is making every effort to restore the glory of Punjab. He said that though the path is strewn with thorns but intentions of state government are noble and determined. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is working closely with the people and in unison with the ideals of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, to achieve these goals.

The Chief Minister asserted that in order to provide quality and timely health services to the people, the state government is dedicating 75 Aam Aadmi clinics to mark 75th Independence Day today. He said that these clinics will offer 41 health packages with nearly 100 clinical tests free of cost to the people. Bhagwant Mann envisaged that these clinics as the cornerstone to revamp of the healthcare system in Punjab.

Likewise, the Chief Minister further said that the state government is committed to rejuvenate Education system in state to reverse the trend of brain drain. He said that towards this end, the state government has adopted a Multi-pronged approach that is aimed at transforming government schools into ‘Schools of Eminence’. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said 16 new medical colleges will come in the state during coming five years.

The Chief Minister also said that in a path breaking initiative his government provided 600 units of free power per billing cycle to every section of society. He said that as a result of this, 51 lakh households out of total 74 lakh will get zero electricity bill in the month of September. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that 68 lakh household will get zero power bill in January, which will be roughly 90% of the total households of the state.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government will not allow the textile park to come up at Mattewara, which are the lungs of Ludhiana. He said that the Punjab government has already offered alternative land sites for the project to Government of India. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed to save the environment of state.

Earlier, the Chief Minister accompanied by Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, inspected the parade led by parade commander ASP Maninder Singh, IPS. He also took a salute from an impressive march past by 11 contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, Punjab Armed Police, NCC Girls and Boys, Bharat Scouts and Guides besides the Punjab Police Brass band and other school bands. On the occasion, the students of various local schools presented a colorful variety program including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show and group singing.

The Chief Minister also felicitated Freedom fighters and their kin in recognition of their valuable contribution in the freedom struggle of the country.

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New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal visited Gujarat to hold a rally ahead of crucial assembly polls.

AAP party is upbeat over its landslide victory in Punjab and a foothold in Goa and they are not looking forward to stake claims in Gujarat, where elections are due later this year.

During their visit, AAP leaders visited Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram and also spun the charkha.

CM Mann shared photos of the visit on his social media accounts with a caption in Punjabi roughly translated, “I, along with Chief Minister of Delhi Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi ji at Sabarmati Ashram. A lot was seen in Gandhiji’s ashram which was used during the freedom struggle, such as his written letters. His ideals not only give us, but the message of peace to the entire world.”

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Chandigarh: Days after taking oath at ancestral village of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in SBS district, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today declared a public holiday on March 23, which will be celebrated as ‘Shaheed Diwas’.

Earlier, during Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, members paid tributes to Gen SF Rodrigues; Ramesh Dutt Sharma, a former minister; Ajit Singh, a former MLA; Harbans Singh, a former MLA and 8 freedom fighters besides some others.

The installation of BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh’s status in the Vidhan Sabha has also been approved.

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Chandigarh: The Governor of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit on Saturday administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 10 newly inducted Cabinet Ministers in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann here at Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the State Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari conducted the proceedings of Swearing in Ceremony.

The Cabinet Ministers who were sworn in at simple but impressive ceremony in the newly constructed Guru Nanak Dev auditorium within the complex of Punjab Raj Bhawan included: Harpal Singh Cheema (MLA from Dirba), Dr. Baljit Kaur (MLA from Malout), Harbhajan Singh ETO (MLA from Jandiala), Dr. Vijay Singla (MLA from Mansa), Lal Chand (MLA from Bhoa), Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer (MLA from Barnala), Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal (MLA from Ajnala), Laljit Singh Bhullar (MLA from Patti), Bram Shanker Jimpa (MLA from Hoshiarpur) and Harjot Singh Bains (MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib).

Others present at the swearing-in included Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya besides Pro tem Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar. Apart from these, several newly elected AAP MLAs, senior party leaders, workers and volunteers from Punjab and dignitaries from different walks of life also graced the occasion.

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Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced the list of 10 MLAs to be inducted as Cabinet minister in the state on Saturday.

Mann, while sharing names of 10 MLAs congratulated them and said, “The new Punjab Cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow. Best wishes to all the ministers in the AAP government of Punjab. The people of Punjab have given a huge responsibility to all of us, we have to work hard day and night to serve the people, give punjab an honest government. We have to make Rangla Punjab,” CM Mann said in a tweet.

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Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday exhorted the top brass of state Civil and Police Administration to discharge their duties as public servant in the letter and spirit, thus respecting the massive mandate got by AAP in the recently concluded assembly polls.

Mann said, “Corrupt officers have no place in my government and if any such complaint comes to my notice, then don’t expect any sort of sympathy for such officers.”

Ensuring a corruption free government, Mann announced that his government would launch a WhatsApp number on coming March 23 on the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh exclusively for public to upload videos of corrupt officials demanding bribe for their day to day works or indulging in other malpractices so that such erring officials could be given an exemplary punishment.

Breaking the tradition, the Chief Minister also announced to reward both civil and police officers with ‘Best Performance Award’ quarterly for making the difference in the lives of common man at the grass roots level besides ensuring free and fair justice to one and all to boost their morale. He hoped this initiative would surely motivate the other officers to perform far better and efficaciously. The Chief Minister also directed the DGP to send a congratulatory message addressing to the family members of all police employees on the birthday with a sense of belongingness.

Reiterating his commitment to make Punjab as a model state, Mann said the foremost concern of his government would be to create abundant job opportunities for our youth to check the unfortunate trend of brain drain from our state to foreign shores. He said, “This scenario has even forced the poor and hapless parents to sell of their properties for sending their wards abroad for better prospects to earn livelihood.”

The post CM Mann announces to launch Anti-corruption helpline on martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh appeared first on TV Punjab | English News Channel.

Chandigarh: In yet another gesture, former Congress Punjab president Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Aam Aadmi Party’s chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

Sidhu said that he is extremely happy that Mann has ushered a new era in the Punjab to make it free from Mafia.

“The happiest man is the one from whom no one expects … Bhagwant Mann unfurls a new anti – Mafia era in Punjab with a mountain of expectations …hope he rises to the occasion , brings back Punjab on the revival path with pro – people policies … best always,” Sidhu said in a tweet while praising newly elected AAP CM Sidhu.

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Khatkar Kalan: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday appealed the people to remain humble and modest as Aam Adami Party’s (AAP) government belongs to each and every citizen of Punjab and moreover Chief Minister is always of all people.

Addressing a mammoth gathering after paying floral tributes to legendary martyr at Shahed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s museum & memorial here before swearing in as Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann said he was overwhelmed with this massive mandate given by the people of Punjab but at the same time we should be far more responsible now and not to be arrogant because ‘pride hath a fall’.

He said for the first time any Chief Minister is taking oath from the land of martyrs as earlier swearing in ceremonies were being held from stadiums and palaces. Bhagwant Mann further said probably if was the first time the people have fearlessly voted for AAP without any vested interest or greed.

Pointing out further, Bhagwant Mann said that we had really got the freedom now as the previous governments during past 70 years blatantly ignored the vision and dreams of our great martyrs like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. He said the day of February 20, 2022 would be ever remembered in the annals of Punjab polity as the people exercised their franchise without any influence and coercion, of which the result declared on March 10, 2022 thus paving a way to fulfill the dreams of legendary martyr Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.

Bhagwant Mann further said that his Government would start functioning right from today and not even a single day would be wasted as we are already too late to cherish the aspirations of people in bringing transformation in Punjab. He said that AAP Government would provide the best education and healthcare infrastructure by setting up state-of-the-art schools and hospitals, which would be greatly appreciated by one of all. “It is really pathetic the youth from the progressive state like Punjab is migrating to foreign shores in search of green pastures. Our government will strive hard to offer lucrative jobs besides eradicating the menace of corruption and other malpractices in order to provide clean, transparent and good governance,” said Bhagwant Mann hoping that such pro-people initiatives would ultimately repose confidence and trust in the newly elected Government.

Meanwhile, Men and women wearing Basanti turbans & dupattas presented a serene BASANTI atmosphere in the main pandal and roads leading to Khatkar Kalan. Surcharged with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor the people including party workers and volunteers were raising slogan Inqlaab Zindabad, Bole So Nihaal…., Aam Aadmi Party zindabad.

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Khatkar Kalan (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar): Aam Aadmi Party stalwart Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday sworn in as the 28th Chief Minister of Punjab in the presence of an august gathering, led by AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Bhagwant Mann was administered the oath of secrecy and allegiance by Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit at the ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh amid lakhs of people from different walks of life.

Meanwhile, the state chief secretary Anirudh Tewari conducted the proceedings of oath taking ceremony, which was attended by the Cabinet Ministers of Delhi government besides other dignitaries, eminent persons from different walks of life.

The swearing-in ceremony was graced, besides Senior AAP leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, MLA and Punjab affairs incharge Jarnail Singh, MLA and Punjab affairs co-incharge Raghav Chadha, several newly elected AAP MLAs, senior leaders, party workers and volunteers from Punjab were present on the occasion.

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Amritsar: Three days after historic win in Punjab Assembly, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor along with Chief minister designate Bhagwant Mann and other senior leaders paid obeisance at Golden Temple here on Sunday.

They also carried out a road show in Amritsar after winning 92 seats in the state.

Along with them, Delhi’s Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Amritsar Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu and recently elected MLAs also took part in the road show.

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