Punjab Information and Public Relations, Freedom Fighters and Defense Services Welfare Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, today hoisted the National Flag in Mansa, commemorating India's 78th Independence Day. He vowed to realize the aspirations of martyrs and elevate Punjab to greater heights, transforming it into a 'Rangla Punjab'.
"Punjabis, who made immense sacrifices during our freedom struggle, continue to be a source of pride and inspiration," said the Cabinet Minister during the district-level Independence Day celebration at the Multipurpose Sports Stadium of Nehru Memorial Government College. He inspected the parade and took salutation from the marching contingents.
He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed for the welfare of soldiers, martyrs' families and veterans. He said that the pension for freedom fighters and their heirs has been increased from Rs.9,400 to Rs.11,000. The state government has doubled the ex-gratia grant for martyred soldiers' families to Rs.1 crore and included the Agniveers in this financial assistance scheme.
Besides this, families of police personnel who sacrifice their lives for state and national security are being provided with financial aid of Rs.1 crore. The government has also doubled the ex-gratia grant for disabled soldiers, which is now Rs.40 lakh for 76-100% disability, Rs.20 lakh for 51-75% disability, Rs.10 lakh for 25-50% disability, he added.
He informed that under the East Punjab War Awards Act, 1948, the government is providing financial assistance to parents whose children served in the Indian Army during World War-II and the National Emergencies of 1962 and 1971. This aid has been increased from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 annually.
S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra also listed the success of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's crop diversification initiatives, adding that the area under horticulture has increased by 42,406 hectares in past around 28 months, reaching a total of 4,81,616 hectares. He noted a significant improvement in canal water usage for irrigation, which has risen from 21% to 72% in past 28 months.
S. Jouramajra highlighted that under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's stewardship, Punjab is making significant strides in education, healthcare, energy, agriculture, law enforcement, civic amenities, infrastructure, urban and rural development, while fostering an investment-friendly industrial climate.
He said that in approximately 28 months of governance, the Mann government has implemented numerous people-centric initiatives, which include providing 600 units bi-monthly of free domestic electricity, benefiting 90% of the state's consumers; establishing 118 Schools of Eminence to brighten children's futures; creating over 44,000 government jobs for youth; launching an anti-corruption helpline etc.
S. Jauramajra noted that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has inaugurated 842 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which are providing accessible healthcare services to citizens at their doorstep. He outlined various development initiatives in Mansa district. The Cabinet Minister honoured freedom fighters, their families and individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields.
The Minister also distributed sewing machines and tricycles to those in need. School students presented cultural performances during the Independence Day function. The Cabinet Minister also announced holiday for district schools on August 16. Various dignitaries, including judicial officers, local MLAs and senior police and civil administration officials attended the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Cabinet Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra visited Mal Singh Wala village in the district, where he met 96-year-old freedom fighter S. Bihara Singh, a veteran of the Azad Hind Fauj who had been imprisoned abroad for his fight against British imperialism. After seeking S. Bihara Singh's blessings, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra affirmed, "Freedom fighters are the pride of our nation and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's government is committed to ensuring the welfare of these patriots and their families."