Punjab Newsline: Fatehgarh Churian
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a clear difference is now visible in the state between politics based on performance and politics centred around families. Addressing a ‘Lok Milni’ organised in Ghaniye Ke Bangar village in the Fatehgarh Churian Assembly constituency, Mann highlighted various initiatives of his government and said ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach people directly has remained a key priority.
Mann said that during its around four-and-a-half-year tenure, his government has provided free electricity to 90 per cent of families, healthcare cover of up to Rs 10 lakh, canal water to farmers’ fields and financial assistance to women. He said these initiatives were aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and strengthening essential public services.
The Chief Minister said nearly 90 per cent of families in Punjab are benefiting from free electricity. Referring to healthcare initiatives launched by the state government, he said families are being provided medical coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. According to Mann, government resources should be used to provide direct relief to ordinary people.
On canal irrigation, Mann said canal water is now reaching 88 per cent of agricultural land in the state. He said expanding canal irrigation was important not only to reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater but also to protect Punjab’s natural resources.
Highlighting initiatives for women, Mann said providing financial assistance to mothers and sisters was among the government’s priorities. He said the government was working to provide greater financial support to women.
Targeting previous Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal governments, Mann accused them of pursuing family-centric and personal-interest politics. He said the performance of governments should be assessed on issues such as schools, hospitals, electricity, irrigation, employment and infrastructure.
Mann claimed that his government had carried out more work in four-and-a-half years than the Congress and Akali governments did during their combined 22 years in power. Referring to the public response during the meeting, he said he was confident that Punjab would choose the path of development again in 2027 and give his government another opportunity.
