Recalling the maximum contribution of Punjabis in independence movement, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave a call to the people of Punjab to become active partner in ongoing unprecedented development of state besides wiping out the social menaces to make Punjab a complete progressive and prosper state. Addressing the mammoth gathering after unfurling the National Flag at the state level function to mark 69th Independence Day here at Multipurpose Sports Stadium, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled the maximum and supreme sacrifices made by Punjabis in the freedom struggle. He said that we all should tread the path shown by our martyrs and freedom fighters to turn their dreams into reality.
Badal said that we were facing severe challenges and problems due to a border state but Punjabis always gave a befitting reply to anti-state or anti-national forces.Reiterating his commitment of unprecedented development in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that within one and half year the entire state will have a cover of 100 percent civic amenities. He said that after becoming Power surplus state, now the Punjab was marching towards to have country’s one of the finest road network as the work of 4/6 laning in entire state was on full swing. He said that the action plan to provide water supply, sewerage, sewerage treatment plants, concrete roads, street lights, renovation of ponds etc. has been finalized and the work on some projects has been started.
Announcing that Rs. 6000 crore has been set aside to provide all basic amenities in the rural areas under rural mission, Mr. Badal said that they have sanctioned Rs. 800 crore for strengthening and construction of Khalaas’ (distributaries) in all the malwa region. He said that the sole motive of Punjab government was to make Punjab one of the best states in the country by providing all needful facilities to its citizen.Badal also made it clear that there was no shift or closure of Bathinda-New Delhi Shatabadi Express. He said that Union Food Processing Industries Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal will take up this issue with authorities concerned of railway ministry soon.
Announcing holiday on Monday in Bathinda schools, Mr. Badal also announced a grant of Rs. 2 lakh for schools participated in Independence Day function. He also gave away 150 bicycles to girls students of Government Senior Secondary School of Mall Road Bathinda while distributing 26 tricycles to physically challenged persons whereas 28 sewing machines to needy. He also honored 125 eminent personalities of various fields besides two panchayats of district namely Dhan Singh Khanna and Fatta Balu for their exemplary work under Swachh Punjab Mission.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLA Mr. Darshan Singh Kot Fatta, former MP Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, chairman district planning committee Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg, ADGP Mr Rohit Chaudhary, IG Mr BK Bawa, DIG Mr Mohneesh Chawla, SSP Mr Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, and senior officers of different departments.