Bhawanigarh, February 22: The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated a firm stance. The state has no water to share with any other state. On Saturday, he said that the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal will never become a reality. The state government is duty bound to safeguard the interests of Punjab.

“CM Stresses No Spare Water for Sharing, Calls for Reassessment”

The Chief Minister interacted with the media on the sidelines of dedicating the newly constructed SDM complex here today. He reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state. There is no question of sharing even a single drop of water with anyone. He said that Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state. A reassessment of the availability of water in the state is required as per international norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he has recently asked the Ravi Beas Tribunal to deliver justice. He urged them on behalf of the people of the state. The tribunal is on a visit for site visit of the Ravi water system. He emphasized the need for fresh reassessment.

SYL  : Punjab Faces Severe Water Crisis, No Sharing with Other States

The Chief Minister said that most of the blocks of the state are over exploited and the groundwater situation in the state is very grim. Likewise, he said that most of the river resources of the state have dried up. The state needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the situation is so grim. Punjab only has scant water, which it is providing to the food growers. He added that in such a scenario, there is no question of sharing even a drop of water with any other states.

“CM Dismisses Bittu’s Theatrics, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Scams”

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister quipped on theatricals by Union Minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu. He said that these rejected leaders will never be accepted by people. He said that Bittu dreams to occupy the official residence of the Chief Minister with all these tantrums. However, they are of no use because this is the house of the masses. The masses elect and send the leaders here. People will never elect him as they are well aware of their dubious character. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against scams and extortion. He added that the law will take its own course in such cases. We will not buckle under any pressure.

CM Urges Youth to Seek Opportunities at Home Instead of Abroad

The Chief Minister said that the incident of deporting of youth from the USA is an eye-opener. It is something for all of us to consider. Instead of going abroad in search of green pastures, the youth of the state must work hard here. They should achieve success in various fields. He said that the state government is providing a number of opportunities for youth to excel in various arenas. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more than 51,000 youth have got government jobs in the state. They achieved this through hard work, dedication, and commitment. The Chief Minister said that there are examples where youth have got two to three jobs in the state. This has happened during the last one year. He added that due to this, the trend of reverse migration has started. Youth who had earlier settled abroad are now making a beeline to come and join the state government. He said that recently a couple has returned from Canada. They joined government service here. Many more such people have got the job here. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is offering the job to youth daily. They should take advantage of this situation. He encouraged them to work here.

Punjab Govt Supports Deported Punjabis, Cracks Down on Illegal Agents

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is fully with the Punjabis who have been recently deported from the USA. He said that the state government will provide them opportunities for rehabilitation. They will become active partners in the socio-economic development of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has involved the youth. These young individuals have successfully set up their ventures after facing similar hardships and trauma. They aim to motivate the deportees to start a new life here. The Chief Minister said that the state government has already cracked down on illegal agents and filed cases against them. He emphasized the government’s strict stance against illegal travel agents responsible for sending innocent Indians abroad illegally, leading to their deportation, as seen in the USA. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that authorities will take exemplary action against these agents to deter others from duping common Indians.

CM Enforces Zero Tolerance on Drugs, Inaugurates Modern SDM Office

The Chief Minister said that the state government follows a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and will hold police officers accountable for major crimes in their jurisdictions. He emphasized that authorities are cracking down on unlawful activities and must not spare those involved in this crime. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the war against drugs is becoming a mass movement, with panchayats actively supporting this effort. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the newly constructed SDM office has come up at a cost of Rs 6 crore. This ultra modern building is equipped with several facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the previous governments had hardly paid any heed towards such initiatives. These initiatives aim to serve the people in a better manner.He added that they are constructing such buildings while considering the future needs of people.