Dhuri (Sangrur), May 22: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday felicitated the cooperatives societies of the Dhuri circle. They have set a new benchmark by recovering more than 99% of the loans. The Chief Minister addressed the gathering during a function to commemorate the International Year of Cooperation. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction. The societies of the Dhuri circle have set a new benchmark by recovering more than 99% of the loans. He said that due to this a special program has been chalked out to felicitate these societies through this program. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted it is heartening to see these societies have done exceptional work. Most other societies across the state have failed to recover their outstanding debt.

Cooperative Banks Key to Farmers’ Welfare: CM Mann

The Chief Minister said that the cooperative sector needs to be strengthened as it will ensure the benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders. He urged the farmers and others to open their accounts in the cooperative banks which offer 3% less interest on loans than the other banks. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there are several misnomers about the Cooperative banks and the farmers should not fall prey to it. The Chief Minister further said that the state government is roping in experts from banking sectors to further enhance the efficiency of these banks. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the need of the hour is that the farmers should open their accounts in these banks so as to give further fillip to economic activity in the banks. Expressing concern over big fat weddings in the state, he said that they are putting a huge burden on the pockets of the common farmers.

Cooperatives Societies ;”CM Mann Urges Simple Weddings and Cooperative Farming to Reduce Farmers’ Debt”

The Chief Minister advocated for simple weddings, emphasizing that they are the need of the hour to pull farmers out of the vicious cycle of debt. He urged people to avoid lavish weddings, stating that such events burden farmers with huge debts and lead to serious repercussions in the future.Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the farmers should come out of the mad race of competing with each other on spending the money lavishly just as their neighbours or relatives had been doing so. The Chief Minister also called upon the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipment on custom hiring basis from the Cooperative societies as it will help them in curtailing the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was already giving huge subsidies to the cooperative societies for purchasing such equipment. “Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the use of these resources judiciously to make agriculture a profitable venture by reducing its expenditure.”

“CM Mann Highlights Cooperative Sector Boost

The Chief Minister said that the state government is already laying major thrust to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that Cooperative sector is the lifeline of the country, which has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country in the post-independence era. He said that the Cooperative movement in India has immensely benefited all the sections of society particularly the farming community, who had played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production. The Chief Minister said the girls have once again outshined the boys in the results. He added that the state government’s concerted efforts to spread quality education across every nook and corner of Punjab have led to this achievement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state government’s massive efforts have immensely benefited the girls. These efforts enable them to excel in education. This paves the way for their empowerment.

“CM Mann Highlights Girls’ Educational Success in Punjab”

The Chief Minister said that these girls had been able to shine through their hard work and dedication. He added that students, their parents, and teachers deserve accolades for this achievement. He envisioned that these students will become role models for other students. They will inspire them to excel in the arena of education. They can achieve this by pursuing higher education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will provide the best environment for school education. This is especially for the girls. The aim is for them to succeed in their lives. The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjabis have proved their capabilities. If the state can protect the borders of the country, they can aptly save the waters of the state too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history. They have made supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this time also Punjabis were at the forefront. They gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army. On the other hand, they saved the share of their water too.

CM Mann Praises Punjab’s Unity in Protecting Water Rights, Criticizes Political Betrayal

The Chief Minister said that for around 20 days, the hard-working and vigilant people of the state stood strong. They did not let Haryana and the centre steal even a single drop of water from Punjab. He said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB. He added that the hands of Congress, Akalis, and BJP were drenched with blood of Punjabis. These parties have backstabbed them by ignoring the water rights of the state for vested interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier leaders of Punjab had backstabbed the people on several issues. They prioritized their own interests over those of the state. On the occasion Registrar Cooperative Societies Vimal Setia and others were present.