THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 1
Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit reiterated the state government’s commitment to bridging the gap between the privileged and marginalized sections of society, ensuring equitable distribution of development benefits. Speaking at the sixth session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Purohit emphasized the intertwined journey of Punjab with its resilient people, advocating for a future defined by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
Highlighting government initiatives, Purohit noted the successful implementation of the “Ghar Ghar Muft Ration” scheme, providing essential rations to every household in Punjab. Additionally, he praised the launch of innovative healthcare programs, including 664 Aam Aadmi Clinics catering to over 1.07 crore patients, with medications and diagnostic tests worth Rs. 520 crores provided.
However as the Governor began his speech, Congress members disrupted the proceedings, demanding a discussion on the farmers’ issue. Led by Partap Bajwa, Congress MLAs raised slogans and emphatically urged that the Governor address the concerns of the farming community. They also demanded the government pay homage to the farmers who lost their lives during the recent protests.
The Governor underscored the commitment to enhance educational infrastructure through the “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” initiative, focusing on improving facilities in government schools. Measures include the construction of boundary walls for over 7,000 schools, provision of internet connectivity to 12,126 schools, and the distribution of 95,000 dual desks.
Regarding water resource management, Purohit highlighted efforts to increase canal water utilization, resulting in a 38% rise during peak demand periods. Notably, 45 canals totaling 400 kilometers were restored, along with the reactivation of 14,100 water courses, aiming to mitigate water scarcity issues.
Purohit celebrated the progress on the long-pending Shahpurkandi Dam Project, anticipating its benefits in irrigation and power generation, alongside new tourism opportunities. Moreover, acknowledging groundwater depletion, the government initiated groundwater recharge projects with 129 sites established within a year.
On the energy front, Purohit announced the acquisition of the GVK Goindwal Sahib thermal plant at a historically low cost, anticipating a significant increase in power generation. This acquisition, coupled with the implementation of free electricity schemes, has resulted in substantial savings and record peak demands being met.
Furthermore, the Governor introduced citizen-centric schemes such as “Door-Step Delivery of Services” and “AAP ki Sarkar AAP De Dwar,” aiming to provide convenient access to government services. These initiatives have already benefited thousands of citizens across the state.
Purohit concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, promising continued efforts to address societal challenges and promote holistic development across Punjab.