Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today unfurled the national flag during the district-level celebrations of the 76th Republic Day at Cantt Board Stadium, Ferozepur. The Minister, who was the chief guest at the event, delivered a message to the district residents, inspected the parade, and took the salute from the parade. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and SSP Somya Mishra.
In his address, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted several pro-people initiatives taken by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He mentioned that 90 percent of the domestic consumers in the state are now receiving zero electricity bills, following the announcement of free electricity.
Additionally, the government achieved a significant milestone by purchasing the Goindwal Power Plant for Rs. 1080 crores, making it the first state government in India to acquire a private power plant. He further stated that Rs. 9330 crores have been allocated for providing free electricity to the agriculture sector in the current financial year.
The Minister also shared the government's efforts to promote sports, including distributing cash prizes to medal-winning athletes and completing the synthetic athletic track at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Ferozepur at a cost of Rs. 7 crores. He proudly said that 11 renowned players have been given jobs as PCS and DSP, and out of the 100 Indian athletes in the Paris Olympics, 19 were from Punjab.
Earlier, the Cabinet Minister, along with MLAs and district officials, paid homage at the memorials of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, freedom fighter B.K. Dutt, and Rajmata at Hussainiwala Shaheed Smarak. After offering floral tributes, he emphasized that the freedom enjoyed today is a result of the sacrifices made by these martyrs.
The Minister also paid homage to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and congratulated all citizens on Republic Day. He called upon the younger generation to follow the path shown by martyrs and contribute to the nation's prosperity with a spirit of patriotism.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh said that the Republic Day reminds us of the dreams envisioned by our martyrs and freedom fighters for India's future and provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements. He also mentioned the Punjab Government's efforts to develop Ferozepur as a tourism hub.
The district-level celebrations of the Republic Day showcased beautiful tableaux presented by various district departments, including the Health Department, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Lead Bank, CM Yoga Shala, District Legal Services Authority, and Municipal Council. Students from various schools performed musical bands, Punjab folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra, and patriotic cultural programs.
Tricycles and sewing machines were distributed to the needy, and the district administration honoured freedom fighters, families of Kargil martyrs, youth clubs, athletes, social service organizations, and well-performing officers and employees. The chief guest Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh and his family members were also honoured with mementos.
MLA Ferozepur Urban S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Mr. Rajnish Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai S. Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA Zira Mr. Naresh Kataria, District and Sessions Judge Mr. Virinder Agarwal, DIG Ferozepur Range S. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, SP (D) Mr. Randhir Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bambah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) S. Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa, Chairman District Planning Committee S. Chand Singh Gill, Chairman Market Committee Ferozepur S. Balraj Singh Katora, Mr. Dharawat Sai Prakash IPS (Under Training), along with all the heads of departments, officers, and employees of the district were present.