Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today reiterated the SAD-BJP government’s commitment to thwart the nefarious designs of inimical forces across the border to create communal tension in this border state thereby keeping intact the hard earned peace as well as maintaining communal harmony.Mr. Majithia was addressing an impressive gathering after unfurling the National flag on the occasion of 69th Independence Day function held here. Congratulating the people, Mr. Majithia said that this day gave us an opportunity to show that world’s largest and most successful democracy has potential to emerge as next economic power of the globe.
Mr. Majithia pointed out that few days ago our hostile neighbor orchestrated a “fidayeen attack” in Dinanagar. The brave hearts of Punjab police led by SP Baljit Singh, who attained martyrdom during the action, deserve the pat for their professional and dedicated strategy adopted in combating and neutralizing the foreign terrorists who unleashed that attack with long term plan to hurt the economic growth and prosperity of our state. He said that Punjabis for centuries had been on the forefront to safeguard the frontiers of our country and to protect the unity and integrity of our motherland. “It is because of the sacrifice of the Punjabis that we are breathing in the free country. We must proud of the fact that despite being just 2 percent of population, 80% of freedom fighters who were martyred in 100 year long freedom struggle, were Punjabis. Whole nation is indebted to people of Punjab for its most significant role in the freedom struggle”, he added.
Dedicating this historic occasion to those great souls who pioneered our country’s Independence movement, Mr. Majithia mentioned the role of all those different movements namely Gadar Lehar, Kuka Lehar, Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar, Babbar Akali Lehar, Pagri Sambhal Lehar and Quit India Movement, which gave momentum to our freedom struggle. He said that Punjab has the proud of being native land of great martyrs namely Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai and Udham Singh etc. who made supreme sacrifice to lay the foundation for independence of our motherland.
He said that the last 8 years were witness of the fact that development program unleashed by SAD-BJP government under the leadership of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and vision of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal are unprecedented and were never witnessed in any state of the country. The development index of state has witnessed a steep growth despite anti-Punjab policies imposed by previous UPA government and financial constraints of the state. The participatory growth in which every citizen industrialists and traders, farmers has been made equal partner is a unique example of inclusive growth experimented by not any other state, he added.
Describing Amritsar, a centre point of communal harmony and patriotism, Mr. Majithia underlined the need to enhance international trade between Middle East countries through Attari border besides strengthening the Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport as these initiatives have the potential to change the business priorities of the whole region. Majithia revealed that with operationalization of 164 computerized Farad Kendras covering 12958 out of total 13001 villages, now the people were getting farad copies in less than 15 minutes. Besides this, the Revenue department has took a path breaking initiative to bring transparency and information on land records on the finger tips of every individual around the globe by launching a most comprehensive 24x7 helpline(1800-1800-168). He said that our government has also started a unique e-stamping project to end people harassment and also make revenue transactions safe and secure.
Mr. Majithia, who also have the charge of New & Renewable Ministry, revealed that in a short span of three years of time, Solar power generation has touched 514 MW from a meager 9 MW in Punjab and roof top projects of 65 MW generation capacity are also being installed in coming few months. Till now Rs 4000 Crores have been invested in state. The Punjab Government has also finalized two projects of 500 MW capacities; in which at one side, leading companies will be allotted projects of at least 50 MW and on the other side farmers will be given mini projects from 1 to 2.5 MW capacities, he added.
Briefly outlining the unique governance reforms Mr. Majithia said that under the dynamic leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab has become the first state, which had abolished affidavits. Besides this, as many as 2174 Sewa Kendras are being established in rural as well as urban areas at a cost of Rs. 450 crore to deliver 206 notified citizen centric services under single roof and single window system, he added.
On this occasion, Mr. Majithia handed over 200 bi-cycles to girl students of the district under Mai Bhago Vidya scheme, in which 1,55,000 girl students are being given bi-cycles of worth Rs. 41 crore.Earlier, after inspecting the parade, Mr. Majithia took salute from an impressive march past led by parade commander ACP Dr. BK Singla. A colorful variety programme including choreographies of patriotic songs, PT show , martial art , bhangra & gidha was also presented by the large number of students.Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion includes; Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, CPS, Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, President District Planning Committee, Mr. Upkar Singh Sandhu, Chairman, PEDA, Mr. Gurvir Singh,District Sessions Judge, Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, Commissioner Police.