Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian while participating in the Budget debate in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha said the Budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is people oriented and development focused, keeping in view the welfare and aspirations of every section of society.
Speaking on the fifth historic Budget, the Cabinet Minister said that during the last four years, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has carried out several transformative initiatives which could not be accomplished during the past seventy years. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party led government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has ushered in a new era of governance based on transparency, accountability and people centric policies.
Highlighting key achievements of the government, Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the state has witnessed a major education revolution "Sikhya Kranti" with world class training being provided to principals and teachers besides large scale recruitment of educators. He said thousands of youth have been provided employment opportunities while the health sector has been strengthened through the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and implementation of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana aimed at providing accessible medical services to the public.
The Cabinet Minister further said that the government has taken historic steps in the agriculture sector by increasing the price of sugarcane and ensuring eight hours of assured power supply to farmers. He added that the state government has also upgraded more than 4000 KMS of rural link roads thereby improving connectivity and facilitating rural development.
Mundian said that CM Mann led government has taken several initiatives to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in Punjab. He said that the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit provided a platform for dialogue with industry leaders and helped attract investments to the state thereby creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Referring to social welfare initiatives, the Cabinet Minister said that the government has launched several schemes aimed at empowering vulnerable sections of society. Mission Jeevan Jyot for the welfare of women and children programmes for senior citizens under the “Sade Buzurg, Sada Maan” initiative and social security measures have ensured that the benefits of development reach every household.
The Minister also highlighted the state government’s commitment towards water conservation and irrigation reforms adding that significant steps have been taken to ensure that canal water reaches tail end farmers which is helping reduce dependence on groundwater and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Speaking about the fight against drug menace, Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Mann government has launched a determined campaign against drugs to safeguard the future of Punjab’s youth. He added that strong action against gangsters and organised crime has restored public confidence and improved the law and order situation in the state.
He further said that nearly 90 percent households in Punjab are now receiving zero electricity bills which has provided significant financial relief to the people. The Minister also highlighted the landmark decision of the state government to acquire the 540 megawatt Goindwal Sahib Thermal Power Plant which has strengthened the state’s power infrastructure.
The Cabinet Minister said that the government has promoted sports culture through the successful organisation of “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” while the Mukh Mantri Yogshala programme has encouraged citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme has enabled senior citizens to undertake pilgrimage visits free of cost which has been widely appreciated across the state.
He further said that the Revenue Department reforms including the “Mera Ghar, Mere Naam” scheme and simplified property registration services have brought transparency and convenience for the people.
Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has maintained close connect with the people of Punjab and has personally visited flood affected and disaster hit areas to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.
The Minister said that despite such remarkable achievements some opposition leaders continue to indulge in baseless criticism inside the House. He asserted that the development works undertaken by the Mann government speak for themselves and have set new benchmarks in governance and public service delivery.
He lauded the decision of the state government to provide financial assistance of Rs.1000 per month to general category women and Rs.1500 to women belonging to SC category which will further strengthen women empowerment and improve household financial stability.
The Cabinet Minister said that the fifth Budget outlines a clear roadmap for inclusive growth and balanced development while ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every citizen of the state.