Describing the SAD-BJP alliance government as the only secular regime across the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that there was hardly any political motive behind launching of ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme’.Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a religious function organized by Aadi Dharam Samaj (AADHAS) here at Mandi Bhagatanwali on New Year eve late last evening, the Chief Minister rubbished the charges being leveled by opposition parties that this scheme was politically motivated. He said that the sole aim of this scheme was to enable the Punjabis to undertake pilgrimage in the holy cities of their faith Sri Huzoor Sahib, Varanasi, Mata Vaishno Devi and Ajmer Sharif. Mr. Badal said that the state government was facilitating the pilgrims to undertake their journey free of cost that too in a hassle free manner.
Listing the initiatives being taken by the state government to perpetuate the rich cultural legacy of the state, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government has constructed several memorials across the state at a cost of Rs 1000 crore. Likewise, he said that several other memorials like War Heroes Memorial cum Museum, Jang-e-Azaadi, Bhagwan Valmiki ji memorial, Guru Ravidass Memorials and others were in pipeline. “Regardless of opposition’s baseless criticism over the construction of these memorials, the state government is committed to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage for our future generations” added Mr. Badal.
Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that upcoming state of the art Temple-cum-Panorama center at Sri Valmiki Tirath Amritsar, where Bhagwan Valmiki Ji had composed the masterpiece epic of Ramayana, would be dedicated to the nation this year. He said that the work on this architectural marvel at a cost of Rs 250 crore was being executed on full pace and it would be completed shortly.
Setting up his agenda for the New Year 2016, the Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of state government to carry on relentless efforts for ensuring the well being of the weaker and underprivileged sections of the state. He recalled that whenever the people of Punjab have bestowed upon him the responsibility of serving the state, his government has accorded top priority to ensure the welfare of weaker sections of the society. Mr. Badal said that the pro-poor schemes like Shagun, Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidtya Scheme and others have been launched by his government, to safeguard the interests of this disadvantaged strata of the society adding that now the state government has decided to double the pensions given to people under the social security schemes.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that now the state government towards a pro-poor initiative has decided to provide far better health care services to economically weaker sections of the society to further improve their quality of life, the state government has decided to enhance the existing limit of free treatment in government and private hospitals to nearly 28.50 lakh blue card holders from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 annually under ‘Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna’. He said that apart from this in case of accidental death or incapacitation of a head of registered family under this scheme, the affected family would get compensation of Rs.5 lakh. “Ever committed for the welfare of oppressed sections of society I avow to continue with such endeavors in this year also” he added.
The Chief Minister also hailed the initiative of AADHAS to celebrate New Year by offering prayers to the Almighty instead of just indulging in fun and frolic. He said that such efforts were required to be replicated in every nook and corner of the society, to enable the mankind to be bestowed with God’s choicest blessings on such happy occasions.Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chief of AADHAS Mr. Darshan Rattan Raavan, Chairman of Safai Karamchari Welfare Board Punjab Mr. Raj Kumar Atikay and Special Principal Secretary of Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju.