Punjab Newsline | Phillaur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday described the incident in Mansa as extremely unfortunate and assured that those responsible would be awarded the strictest punishment. He said that if any conspiracy was behind the incident, every person involved would be brought within the ambit of the law and punished severely.
Mann was addressing a review meeting on the drug menace in Punjab at the Police Academy in Phillaur, attended by Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) from all districts.
Urging officers to discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, the Chief Minister said they should work in a manner that people wished they had not been transferred when they moved to another posting.
He emphasised that the peace of mind that comes from honesty cannot be measured in monetary terms. “You may accumulate wealth, diamonds and pearls, but nothing goes with you in the end,” he said, underlining the importance of integrity and public service.
Political Differences Should Not Affect Official Duties
Mann said political differences would continue to exist and disagreements with the Centre and various political parties were part of a democratic system. However, he stressed that administrative and police officers must remain focused on their responsibilities and perform their duties impartially.
Referring to the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Chief Minister urged officers to leave the academy with a resolve to work honestly towards providing Punjab with governance inspired by the Maharaja's rule.
He said governance was not the responsibility of the Chief Minister or ministers alone, as administrative officers were equally important to the functioning of the government. Honest and effective work by officers would enhance the government's image, while mistakes at the ground level could also bring criticism upon it.
Mann pointed out that officers had direct contact with the public and that their conduct and performance played a crucial role in shaping people's perception of the government.
He urged them to develop such a reputation that people would want them to continue in their positions rather than feel relieved when they were transferred.
Honesty and Public Trust More Valuable Than Wealth
The Chief Minister said honesty and people's trust were more valuable than material wealth. He also advised officers to take care of their family's health and use the authority attached to their positions for public welfare.
Mann highlighted the increasing participation of women and young officers in the administration, noting that many young officers were now serving in key positions, including Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and Additional Deputy Commissioners.
He said he frequently received calls from young officers who expressed surprise at being entrusted with such significant responsibilities at an early age.
Recalling his own journey as an artist, Mann said he had received considerable affection from the public. He encouraged officers to earn similar goodwill through their work and win people's confidence by serving them sincerely.
Mann Ends Address With Message on Human Connection
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister shared a Punjabi saying that reflected the importance of staying connected with people.
“People often say, ‘If we remain alive, we will meet again.’ But this Punjabi heart has said, ‘If we keep meeting, we will remain alive,’” he said.
Mann congratulated the officers present at the meeting and thanked them for their service, reiterating the importance of honesty, dedication and public accountability in administration.
