Patiala, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, asserting that divisive forces can never succeed in Punjab because people of all faiths celebrate festivals together.
Addressing devotees during the Ek Sham Shiv Ke Naam programme in Patiala, the Chief Minister said Punjab has always been a land of unity and mutual respect, where every religion enjoys equal honour and the spirit of coexistence remains deeply rooted.
Calling Punjab a fertile land where “every seed can germinate except the seed of hatred,” Mann said the state government is committed to safeguarding its hard-earned social harmony while working for the welfare of people belonging to every religion without discrimination.
He said the large gathering at an event dedicated to Lord Shiva, attended by people from different faiths, reflected Punjab’s inclusive culture and its enduring tradition of communal amity. The Chief Minister also paid tributes to the saints and spiritual leaders present on the occasion, describing the event as a celebration of humanity, unity and love.
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the state government, Mann said 19 toll plazas had been closed, resulting in savings of nearly ₹70 lakh per day for commuters. He added that more than 68,000 government jobs had been provided through a transparent recruitment process, around 90 per cent of households were receiving free electricity, farmers were benefiting from daytime power supply, nearly 44,000 kilometres of roads were under construction, and the canal irrigation network had been strengthened to improve water availability for agriculture.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, stating that eligible women had begun receiving financial assistance directly into their bank accounts from July 1. Under the scheme, eligible women receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500 per month. He said the next instalment would be transferred on August 1 and added that women already receiving social security pensions would also be eligible for the benefit.
Mann further said nearly 97 per cent of women in Punjab were expected to benefit from the scheme, for which the state government had allocated ₹9,300 crore in the Budget.
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