Patiala, October 2- Sea of people converged here during the rally of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to mark the formal launch of Sehatmand Punjab at a cost of Rs 550 crore.
Addressing the gathering during the rally, Punjab Chief Minister said that this is a historic day as it marks the starting of Health revolution in the state. He said that during the run up for the polls they had guaranteed that people will get quality health and education facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now they are fulfilling all the guarantees to ensure well being of the common man and ensure holistic development of the state.
The Chief Minister said that in last 18 months after assuming charge of office Electricity has been given free of cost to people. He said that 88% of households in the state are today getting free power and zero power bills in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that farmers of the state are also getting free and uninterrupted powers in the state.
Reiterating the firm commitment of his government to ensure canal water at the tail end of the last field in the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government is duty bound for this noble cause. He said already due to strenuous efforts of the state government water has reached the far flung areas of Fazilka districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is taking massive steps for optimum utilisation of the canal water to save the groundwater but at present Punjab is using only 33%-34% of its canal water adding that this will be enhanced in the coming days and by next paddy season 70-80% farms will have canal water.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has so far given 36521 jobs in the first 18 months of its tenure thereby setting a record of providing government service to 2000 youth every month. He said that it is a record as none of the previous governments have given so many jobs to youth especially in the initial months of its tenure. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that merit and transparency have been the twin pillars based on which jobs have been given to the youth across the state.
The Chief Minister said that the government has organized Sarkar Sannatkaar Milnis to boost industrialization in the state. He bemoaned that during the previous regimes people used to be scared of success as the earlier rulers used to pressurize them for putting their share in ventures. He said that these leaders looted the masses, especially the successful industrialists.
The Chief Minister said that we will not put share in transport, industry or any mafia in the state but we will take share in the grief and hardships of people. He said that today Mata Kaushalya Hospital has been dedicated which is a step forward to provide quality healthcare after Aam Aadmi Clinics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that world class facilities will be available to the people in government hospitals for which complete overhaul of these are on cards.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that there is no dearth of funds for this noble cause and state government will leave no stone unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will be soon a frontrunner state in the country.
The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government Punjab has emerged as the most preferred investment destination in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has so far attracted Investment worth Rs 50871 crore which will create 2.89 lakh jobs for youngsters. He said that more investments will be roped in during the coming days to give boost to economic activity in the state.
The Chief Minister said that 2.75 lakh MSMEs has been registered by Punjab which is highest so far in the country. He said that in order open new vistas of self employment for the youth of the state, Punjab government will soon offer permits to youth for mini buses from rural areas to cities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 2000-3000 buses will be given to the youth of the state by the Punjab government thereby ushering in a new era of unprecedented development.
The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envy of him because he hails from a common family. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders who believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people since long but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.
The Chief Minister said that he will soon give entire details of the Rs 50,000 crore spent in the state to the Governor. He said that though the Governor had never bothered to ask these details from his predecessors but then also they will give all details to him soon. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this money has been optimally spent for the welfare of the people and all the details will be furnished to the Governor soon.
The Chief Minister said that the previous leaders have sown thorns before the Punjab and its younger generations by derailing the progress and prosperity of the state. He said that for the sake of their vested interests these selfish political leaders have prepared distress for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hands of these leaders are drenched with this crime against state and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.
In his address, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that on the pious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Health revolution has been embarked in the state. He said that foundation has been laid for free and quality treatment to the common man in the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that Aam Aadmi Clinics are already working successfully in the state and now facelift will be given to the big hospitals in the state.
The Delhi Chief Minister said that the motive is to ensure that every common man gets quality treatment in government hospitals like private hospitals. He bemoaned that most of the government hospitals in state didn’t have ICUs but now this trend is being reversed by renovating government hospitals. Arvind Kejriwal said that 40 government hospitals will be transformed into hi-tech hospitals in the coming days at the cost of Rs 550 crore.
The Delhi Chief Minister also lauded Bhagwant Singh Mann government for transforming the government schools into School of Eminence. He said that no private school will be as magnificent as this government school is adding that all the government schools will be renovated in the same manner. Arvind Kejriwal said that in last 18 months Bhagwant Singh Mann government has brought major revolution in the state in all sectors whereas none of the previous government had bothered about it.
The Delhi Chief Minister said that earlier Punjab was known for rampant corruption by the politicians in the state. But, he said that Bhagwant Singh Mann led government took many path breaking initiatives for public welfare and now corrupt officers and leaders have been put behind the bars. Arvind Kejriwal that any person who has looted public money will be made accountable for the sins and every single penny will be recovered from them.
The Delhi Chief Minister said that now the Punjab government will soon start delivery of citizen centric services at the doorsteps of people. He said that Door Step Delivery of services will facilitate the public in getting their administrative works done. Arvind Kejriwal said that drug peddlers from any party or even their own party will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them.
Earlier Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh welcomed all the dignitaries to the occasion.