JALANDHAR: Reinforcing his government’s emphasis on direct public engagement, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reached Jalandhar for the second time in a month and held a Lok Milni at his residence in the city, where thousands of people gathered to meet him. The Chief Minister listened to the grievances of residents from Jalandhar and adjoining areas and, by issuing clear directions to officials on the spot, ensured immediate redressal of their concerns.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Lok Milnis are the best way to redress the people’s grievances at a single platform and to take feedback of the masses for further enhancing good governance. There is hardly any match of the citizen centric Lok Milni across the country. There is no other state which indulges in such a pro-people initiative for the welfare of the general public. It is on record that the Lok Milni program has been very fruitful in redressing the grievances of every strata of society. Lok Milnis are indeed a unique phenomenon where the entire government meets the people for solving their problems in a planned manner.”

Describing the initiative as a matter of pride for Punjab, the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab is the only state where the head of the state conducts a comprehensive exercise for ensuring the welfare of the public. Lok Milni guarantees holistic development of the state and welfare of people on one hand and enables the government to judge the performance of its officers on the other. This is the first of its kind program in the entire country as no other Chief Minister of any state bothers to take so much pain for the people.”

Emphasising that the initiative rises above partisan considerations, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Lok Milnis are not associated with politics. The sole aim of the state government is to usher in development and prosperity. Lok Milni is the best way to redress the people’s grievances at a single platform besides ensuring unbridled development in a democratic set up, thereby bridging the communication gap between government and the masses. The state government is working tirelessly for the well being of the people for which several key initiatives have already been taken in the state.”

Highlighting the government’s focus on youth empowerment, he said, “The work of any government is to provide wings to the children so that they can script a new success story in life. Every file signed by me is aimed at the benefit of the common man and the state. More than 63,000 jobs have been provided to youth without corruption or recommendation. Every decision of the state government is aimed at the progress of the state and prosperity of its people.”

On education reforms, the Chief Minister stated, “In the Education sector, Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students. These schools have been equipped with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs and playgrounds for scientific learning. To upscale the expertise of the teachers, a special program has been embarked under which teachers and Principals are being sent abroad for training to make sure that they are well versed with modern teaching practices to prepare the students for future competitions in the international arena. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “Students are being offered specialized coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces Preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT, and NIFT. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET exams. In another significant step, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched for cashless treatment upto Rs 10 lakh for all 65 lakh families in the state.”

Detailing healthcare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Income conditions have been removed under this scheme and now even government employees and pensioners have been included under it. Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens. 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment daily. Since the state government has assumed charge in 2022, around 90% households of the state are receiving free electricity.”

Referring to support for farmers and infrastructure, he said, “For the first time in the history of the state more than eight hours of uninterrupted power has been supplied to farm tube wells during paddy season, that too in the daytime. 6900 km long, 18349 water courses have been revived in the state to provide water at tail ends. Several public libraries have been opened in the state to ensure that the students can study and excel in life.”

The Chief Minister added, “Today Punjab is making rapid strides in every field as the state government has taken every step for comprehensive development of Punjab. The state government has taken path breaking initiatives in health, education, power and other sectors. The work on construction of more than 49,000 km of rural roads is going on in full swing and will be accomplished soon.”

Citing relief measures for the public, he said, “The state government has closed 19 toll plazas in Punjab which is saving Rs. 64 lakh daily from common man’s pocket in toll fees. To provide accessible healthcare, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened across the state offering free treatment and medicines. The state government has hitherto fulfilled every promise made to the people of state.”

Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Now the state government will start the scheme to give Rs. 1000 to every woman for which necessary provision will be kept in the coming budget. Every promise made to the people of the state will be fulfilled by all means as this government is committed for the welfare of all. The sole agenda of the state government is to ensure the progress of the state and the prosperity of its people.”