Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly shared the government's achievements over its 18-month tenure during a debate called 'Main Punjab Boldaan Hann.' Mann expressed his view that the Aam Aadmi government's initiatives have surpassed those of previous governments in Punjab, setting a new standard for progress and development in the state.
Mann emphasized that his government's prudent financial decisions led to a 13.2% increase in the state's tax revenue, compared to 8% during the Akali regime from 2012-2017 and 6.1% during the Congress regime from 2017-2022. He cited increased collections in VAT/GST (16.6%), state excise (37%), stamp and registration (27.8%), and vehicle tax (13.3%) as signs of financial improvement.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the significant efforts to revitalize Punjab's water management infrastructure. The government has restored 1400 kilometers of canals that had been abandoned for years, focusing on both canal completion and water channel restoration.
Mann shared that the state government is actively repairing water channels that had been neglected for up to 30 years, marking a significant shift in policy. The repair work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has increased threefold in the year 2023-24 compared to 2020-21.
Furthermore, canal water usage increased by over 38% in the past year, and more than 5000 long-pending cases were resolved.Mann also outlined the progress in irrigation projects. The state government has transformed more than 40 non-perennial canals into perennial canals.
Additionally, major projects, such as the Kandi canal, which had been stalled for 16 years, are now nearing completion.To ensure the welfare of the people, the Chief Minister noted that his government has been proactive in resolving long-pending issues.
The state government cleared the outstanding debts of various institutions, including PUNSUP, PMIDC/PFC, Land Mortgage Bank, Punjab Mandi Board, and Punjab Sugarfed. The government also waived domestic consumer bills totaling Rs. 1298 crores in the financial year 2022-23.
Furthermore, the state government paid the pending arrears of central shares worth Rs. 1750 crores for centrally sponsored schemes.Mann highlighted the government's job creation efforts, noting that it has provided jobs to 37,100 youth in just 18 months, with a commitment to regularizing the services of around 9,000 more employees by the end of the year.
He emphasized that all job placements were made based on merit through a transparent process.he Chief Minister underscored the significance of the government's efforts in the industrial sector, where it has secured investments worth Rs. 57,796 crore, which will create nearly 2.98 lakh jobs for the youth. Mann pointed out that the government achieved this milestone in just 18 months, surpassing the achievements of the previous governments. The state has also registered 2.98 lakh MSMEs in the year 2022-2023, the highest in North India.
Mann expressed pride in the state's law and order situation, stating that Punjab is the best-performing state in terms of law and order, with specialized forces, such as the Sadak Surakhya Force, working to reduce road accidents.
This force will be responsible for checking rash driving, managing vehicular traffic, and addressing road accidents. The government also launched a campaign named 'HOPE INITIATIVE' to sensitize youth against drugs.The Chief Minister emphasized the government's support for sports and education.
The state government organized competitions for 3.50 lakh players in various recognized sports, providing prize money worth Rs. 7.50 crore. Educational initiatives include the School of Eminence, which enrolled 8358 students and received funding for infrastructure development and sports facilities.
Finally, Mann shared that the state government has maintained a consistent power supply, with no power cuts for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. Additionally, coal supply from Pachhwara Coal Mine resumed, saving Rs. 600 crore annually. The government has launched 664 Aam Aadmi Clinics that offer free healthcare services and provided over 65 lakh patients with free healthcare services.
These efforts represent the Aam Aadmi government's commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the people of Punjab, according to the Chief Minister. Mann also announced various public-friendly initiatives, such as regularizing the services of contract-based employees, reducing power bills for 90% of consumers, and introducing various reforms for the benefit of the public.