Mann asserts that the state government closed 14 out of 17 toll plazas started by a self-proclaimed leader of the border region.

 Dinanagar (Gurdaspur), July 29: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the progressive and brave border region of the state had lagged behind in the pace of development due to regressive and feudal policies of the dynasties that have been representing this area since long.

Brave People Neglected by Dynastical Leaders

Addressing the gathering after dedicating Railway Over Bridge here today, the Chief Minister said that the residents of border districts of the state are brave people who have always safeguarded the unity and sovereignty of the country. He said that this is the land blessed by great Gurus and is inhabited by brave and hard working people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though leaders from this area had remained in pivotal positions, they never bothered about the development of the region and welfare of people.

Leaders Failed to Develop Border Region

The Chief Minister said that long-elected leaders from here have done nothing to boost the region’s development.. He said that this region which had produced great patriots and nationalists had not witnessed the development during the regime of these rulers.

Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that, despite being at the helm of affairs for a considerably long time, these leaders just focused on their growth and development rather than the region’s.

Opportunistic Leaders Switched Loyalties

The Chief Minister said that these opportunistic leaders have no ideology and their only aim is just to remain in power for which they frequently switch their loyalties. Citing an example, he said that in this area one house has two flags of separate parties because these leaders want that all the power should remain in their hands only. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had got new wardrobes stitched in hope of getting elected by the people but their dreams never came true as people out rightly rejected them.

Closed Toll Plazas a Symbol of Change

The Chief Minister stated that his government closed 17 toll plazas, 14 of which a self-proclaimed leader from this area, who had served as PWD Minister, had constructed. He said that these leaders had just done lip service to the people whereas his government has delivered services to the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people should elect the leaders who are their companions and not those who want to rule them.

New Era of Development Under Current Government

However, the Chief Minister said that since he assumed office, the state has witnessed a new saga of development and growth every day. He said that the state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of Punjab and is leaving no stone unturned in doing so. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier governments had done nothing else than nepotism and favouritism but his government has ensured all-round development of the state.

Pathbreaking Initiatives for Public Welfare

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has taken several path breaking initiatives for welfare of the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 90% households are now getting free power, more than 43,000 youth have got government jobs, health and education facilities are being provided to people. He said that all these initiatives are aimed at the well being of the common man and no stone is being left unturned for it.

Construction of Malwa Canal Begins

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the post-independence era his government has started the work for construction of Malwa canal in the state adding that it is on record that none of the previous governments of the state had paid heed towards this necessity of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that this around 150 kilometre long new canal will usher a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity in the state especially in Malwa region. He further said that the state government will spend around Rs 2300 crore on this prestigious project that will cater to irrigational needs of nearly two lakh acres of fertile land of the state.

Embracing Gurbani Teachings for Environmental Restoration

Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees.

Support for Families of Martyrs

The Chief Minister said that this region produces maximum soldiers for the country and to recognize their supreme sacrifice the state government gives Rs 1 crore as financial assistance to families of any soldier who attains martyrdom during line of duty while serving the country. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to help the families of the soldiers who sacrifice their life at the altar of the motherland, he said that it is the bounden duty of the Punjab government to bail out the families of these heroes in hour of crisis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the financial assistance to the families of martyrs is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers and their families.

Zero Tolerance Policy Against Drugs

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs. He said that the state government already snapped the drug supply line and put big drug peddlers behind bars. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are making massive efforts to channel the youth’s unbounded energy in a positive direction by encouraging sports in the state.