Ballaran, Sangrur, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his politics was driven by honesty and public service, alleging that the BJP had targeted him through the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) because he was fighting for the state’s rights.
Addressing a Lok Milni programme in Ballaran village of Sangrur district, Mann accused opposition parties of seeking power to gain control over Punjab’s resources and serve their own interests. He said his government was committed to transparent governance, employment, education, healthcare, irrigation and rural development.
“My honesty is my greatest wealth, and the love and trust of three crore Punjabis are my real strength. My stake is not in buses, sand, contracts or roadside vending stalls. My stake lies in the joys and sorrows of the people of Punjab,” Mann said, adding that public service remained the guiding principle of his government.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister recalled his association with Ballaran dating back to 2012 and thanked residents, particularly women and other attendees, for their support. He reiterated that his government did not believe in the politics of vendetta and would continue working to improve opportunities for Punjab’s young people.
Mann Highlights Government Recruitment
Mann said his government had provided more than 70,680 government jobs without bribes or political recommendations. He said recruitment based on merit was intended to end the perception that young people needed money or political connections to secure government employment.
“The people want honest leadership, opportunities for their children and a government that stands beside them in difficult times,” he said, adding that his government would continue working to fulfil these aspirations.
The Chief Minister also said public funds were being used for public welfare, citing free electricity, improvements in education and healthcare, road infrastructure and the closure of toll plazas. He claimed that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity and that farmers were being provided electricity during the daytime.
Healthcare and Women’s Welfare Schemes
Highlighting the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Mann said the scheme provided cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. He said the initiative aimed to ensure that financial difficulties did not prevent families from accessing necessary healthcare.
He also outlined the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which eligible women aged 18 and above would receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for general-category beneficiaries and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. According to Mann, payments were scheduled to begin from July 1 through direct bank transfers.
He said women already receiving social security pensions would also be eligible. The Chief Minister cited an allocation of ₹9,300 crore for the scheme and said it was expected to benefit nearly 97 per cent of women in Punjab.
Education and Employment Opportunities
Mann described education as a key means of addressing poverty and improving living standards. He said the state government was working to strengthen government schools through teacher training, Schools of Eminence and other educational initiatives.
Citing figures on NEET results, he said 80 students from government schools had qualified in 2021, compared with 882 in 2026. He attributed the increase to efforts to improve educational standards and expand opportunities for students from ordinary and economically weaker families.
The Chief Minister said the government wanted young people to pursue professional careers without being disadvantaged by their financial circumstances.
Expansion of Canal Irrigation and Rural Infrastructure
Mann said his government had expanded canal irrigation to villages that had not previously received canal water. He claimed that canal water had reached the fields of 1,587 villages for the first time and that ₹7,200 crore had been spent on expanding the irrigation network.
According to figures cited by the Chief Minister, the area receiving canal irrigation had increased from 26 per cent to more than 80 per cent. He said the area receiving canal water had risen from approximately 20.89 lakh acres in 2022 to 60.30 lakh acres at present.
He also said around 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded across Punjab to improve connectivity.
On sports infrastructure, Mann said the government was working to develop 3,100 sports stadiums across the state. He said the facilities would encourage young people to participate in sports, develop talent and help steer them away from drugs.
₹60 Lakh Announced for Village Development
During the programme, Mann announced development grants totalling ₹60 lakh for Ballaran and neighbouring Lehal Khurd. Of the amount, ₹35 lakh was allocated to Ballaran and ₹25 lakh to Lehal Khurd.
He said village development projects would not be allowed to stall and that the government would continue supporting improvements in rural infrastructure.
Recalling his longstanding relationship with Ballaran residents, the Chief Minister said their support strengthened his resolve to work for Punjab. He reiterated that his government’s priorities included transparent recruitment, better public services, expanded irrigation and improved opportunities for the next generation.
Mann concluded that the welfare of Punjab’s people would remain central to the government’s decisions, asserting that public money should be spent on development and benefits for ordinary families.
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