DHURI (SANGRUR) (Gurpreet Singh): Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government was delivering direct benefits to women and ordinary families while putting public money to work for Punjab’s development. During a Lok Milni in Balian, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said women would once again hear the ‘Toon-Toon’ notification of Sanman Rashi reaching their phones on October 1, with Dalit women receiving ₹1,500 per month against the promised ₹1,000.
Questioning the BJP seeking votes in Punjab, the Chief Minister asked how the BJP could seek public support after the deaths of 750 farmers, while asserting that his government had proved the prediction of Punjab turning into a desert wrong by reviving groundwater levels and closing all doors to corruption.
Addressing a massive gathering during the Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government had shifted the focus of governance towards ordinary citizens, farmers, youth, women and students. “Punjab had witnessed politics centered around a handful of families for decades. Today, ordinary people have started demanding accountability and development, and this is something that political parties which ruled Punjab for decades are finding difficult to accept. The opposition is united primarily because of its opposition to our government and our people-centric initiatives,” he said.
He said, “The same Akalis who once called the BJP anti-farmer and repeatedly criticised the party are now seeking its support. This shows how political circumstances can change when the only objective is to regain power. Those who had earlier made strong statements against each other are now exploring cooperation.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “People of Punjab remember everything. They know who said what and when. Punjab has witnessed what I describe as two separate political Dussehras in the past, one of Congress and one of the Akalis. Both parties divided people for political purposes. Despite their public differences, they remained connected through their political and personal interests and befool the people in a big way.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Our political debate should now be about schools, hospitals, employment, electricity, irrigation, roads, sports infrastructure and opportunities for our youth. Punjab needs politics that talks about the issues affecting ordinary families.”
“Employment generation is one of our major priorities. Around 71,000 government jobs have been provided solely on merit. Not even a single person can point a finger at me and say that money was taken for giving a government job. The entire recruitment has been conducted on the principle of merit,” said the Chief Minister.
He added, “The purpose of providing employment is not merely to give a job. It is about giving young people dignity, economic independence and an opportunity to improve the standard of living of their families.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, We announced 300 units of free electricity per month for domestic consumers in 2022, and this scheme continues to provide substantial relief to households. Public resources should be used to directly benefit citizens. Strengthening Punjab’s own power infrastructure is essential for ensuring energy security and meeting the state’s requirements. The Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant at Lehra Mohabbat is an important part of Punjab’s power infrastructure.”
The Chief Minister stated, “We are wisely using public money. When public money reaches the people instead of being lost through fiscal slippage, roads, schools, hospitals and other public works can be taken up. Government programmes are meaningful only when their benefits reach ordinary families.”
“Mothers have told me that the financial assistance being provided to them is being used for their children’s education fees, household requirements and other essential expenses. This is the purpose of welfare programmes, to provide direct support to families,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced, “On October 1, the Toon-Toon of the notification on women’s phones will ring again and mothers will get the benefit of the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.”
He pointed out, “Congress and Akali Dal are opposing several schemes announced by our government. Some opposition leaders have talked about stopping government schemes if they return to power. Political parties should instead tell the people what they propose to do for Punjab rather than merely criticising existing programmes.”
“Punjab’s water crisis is a question of our future. We have undertaken major work to shift agriculture towards canal irrigation and reduce dependence on groundwater. Approximately 14,000 km of pipelines have been laid as part of this irrigation push, and canal-water utilisation has increased substantially,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister noted, “Canal irrigation utilisation has increased from around 22% to 88%, while groundwater levels have improved by one to five metres in several areas. We have proved the prediction that Punjab would turn into a desert wrong by raising groundwater levels,” he said.
“Water conservation is not merely an agricultural issue. It is a question of Punjab’s future. Scientists have warned that Punjab’s groundwater crisis could have serious consequences. We have ensured that our farmers receive canal water and that every drop of groundwater is used responsibly,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We have invested heavily in irrigation infrastructure. The government has previously put this investment at about ₹6,700 crore, along with 14,000 km of pipelines and watercourses.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “Education is another area where we have attempted to bring structural change. When I assumed office, Punjab was ranked 27th in education indicators. Due to the strenuous efforts of our government, Punjab has subsequently reached the top position in the NITI Aayog education assessment. Our teachers are being sent for training programmes at institutions and locations including Finland, Singapore and IIMs. Schools of Eminence have also been established to provide our students with better academic opportunities.”
“The transformation of government schools can be measured through the performance of our students in national-level competitive examinations. As per the 2026 NEET results, 882 students from Punjab government schools qualified, compared to around 80 in 2021,” said the Chief Minister.
He noted, “Behind these numbers are families of ordinary people. Their parents run small shops, work as labourers, drive rickshaws or sell vegetables. When their children become doctors and engineers, the entire family moves forward.”
“Government schools must ensure that children from economically weaker families receive the same opportunity to compete with students from expensive private institutions. Education and employment are among the most effective ways of enabling families to move out of poverty,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The affection shown by people during my visits is a source of strength for me. Such affection cannot be measured in monetary terms. My turban is filled with flowers because of the love of the people, and this love has no price and cannot be measured in any currency.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, buses are regularly taking pilgrims to religious places across the country. Many beneficiaries express their gratitude upon returning. These programmes are about making opportunities and facilities accessible to ordinary people.”
“The problems facing Punjab have accumulated over decades and cannot be resolved overnight. Roads, irrigation projects, schools, healthcare facilities, employment and sports infrastructure represent our effort to address issues affecting everyday life,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab is now moving towards a model in which young people can aspire to become doctors, engineers, officers, entrepreneurs and professionals rather than being pushed towards drugs or unemployment.”
“I appeal to people to remain alert to political claims made by different parties and assess governments on the basis of their work. Punjab belongs to its people and political parties should be accountable to them. Our government will continue to focus on education, employment, healthcare, irrigation, electricity, roads, sports and social welfare,” concluded CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
