Chandigarh/Ferozepur, August 15, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Transport and Rural Development & Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today hoisted the national flag at Cantonment Board Stadium in Ferozepur Cantonment.
He graced the district-level Independence Day commemoration function as chief guest and inspected the parade comprising contingents from Punjab Police, Punjab Police Women’s Wing, Punjab Home Guards, NCC, Scouts and Guides.
Addressing the gathering, Bhullar remarked that our nation achieved freedom through the unparalleled sacrifices and struggles of countless martyrs and freedom fighters. We are paying homage to these brave souls and all who participated in various independence movements.
He stated that the Punjab government, formed with overwhelming public support, is spearheading the state’s multifaceted progress under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s guidance. The government has taken landmark decisions to combat corruption, eradicate drug abuse, implement the “Farishtey” scheme, and providing free electricity and these schemes are yielding positive outcomes.
S. Bhullar said that Punjab’s soil is steeped in martyrs’ sacrifices, with Ferozepur district honoured as the land of martyrs and a centre-stage of our great patriots’ activities.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the Punjab government has launched major initiatives for the advancement of every section of society, including education, healthcare, farmers, labourers, traders etc. “Plans are underway to establish Punjab as the country’s leading state in development”, he mentioned.
He highlighted that the Transport Department has introduced 19 government Volvo buses connecting various Punjab cities to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, offering affordable and comfortable travel.
The government has spent over Rs.1548 crore on free travel facility for women in state buses from March 2022 to July 15, 2024, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that besides this, the “Mukh Mantri Tirath Scheme” has been initiated to facilitate visits to various religious places for Punjab residents.
The Cabinet Minister said that the state government has undertaken a special drive to reclaim illegally occupied panchayat lands, freeing approximately 12,341 acres worth over Rs.3000 crore.
He said that fulfilling employment generation promises, the state government has provided over 44,000 government jobs in past around 28 months, with more to come. The pension for freedom fighters has been increased from Rs.9400 to Rs.11,000, he added.
Earlier, the Cabinet Minister paid floral tributes to martyrs at the Hussainiwala Shaheedi Memorial. He said that our government will construct a museum at the site by incurring Rs.25-crore, with the first installment of Rs.2.5 crore already released. Besides this, a bus service will also be introduced for visitor convenience.
During the event, personalities who have excelled in various fields, freedom fighters, families of Kargil martyrs, athletes, students, officials and shining employees were honoured. The celebration featured patriotic cultural programs, including traditional Punjabi folk dances such as Giddha and Bhangra. DSP Atul Soni led the entire parade.
The event was attended by MLAs Ranbir Singh Bhullar (Ferozepur Urban), Rajnish Dahiya (Ferozepur Rural), Naresh Kataria (Zira), and Fauja Singh Sarari (Guru Har Sahai), along with numerous officials, political leaders, students from various schools, teachers and Panchayat representatives.
