Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann marked the 79th Independence Day with a state-level function held in Faridkot, where he hoisted the National Tricolour and paid homage to the countless individuals who fought and sacrificed for the nation’s freedom. Addressing the gathering, Mann recalled the immense contributions of the Guru Sahiban and numerous warriors who laid down their lives, not only for the independence of India but also for the protection of faith and values. He underlined that the people of Punjab have historically made some of the greatest sacrifices for both the country’s sovereignty and the preservation of its spiritual heritage, reminding everyone that the hard-won freedom was the result of unparalleled courage and dedication.
During the celebrations, Mann announced that the Punjab government under the Aam Aadmi Party would provide an honorarium of Rs 1 crore to the families of martyrs as a gesture of gratitude for their service to the nation. He also took the opportunity to recognise and honour officials from various departments for their exemplary performance, along with family members of freedom fighters and other notable citizens who have contributed significantly to society. His speech emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring that public funds, collected through taxpayers’ contributions, are utilised transparently and effectively for the all-round development of Punjab.
Highlighting the state’s economic progress, Mann shared that Punjab has recently secured investments amounting to Rs 1,14,000 crore, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 4 lakh young people in the state. He framed this as a sign of growing investor confidence and a step towards creating a robust economic environment that benefits the youth and enhances industrial growth. On the subject of infrastructure, he revealed that the state government has embarked on the ambitious construction of 19,000 kilometres of roads, with work on the project set to begin soon, a move aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in urban and rural areas alike.
Turning to public safety, Mann spoke about the creation of the Sadak Suraksha Force, an initiative designed to improve road safety and reduce accident-related fatalities. He noted with pride that the measure has already led to a 48 per cent reduction in deaths caused by road accidents in the state. This, he said, was a clear indication that targeted policies and enforcement can produce tangible results when implemented with dedication and proper planning.
Addressing one of Punjab’s most persistent challenges, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s determination to combat the drug menace. He spoke about the “War Against Drugs” campaign launched by the AAP government, under which numerous drug traffickers have been apprehended and brought to justice. Mann described this as part of a broader effort to remove the stigma associated with drugs from Punjab’s identity, stressing that reclaiming the state’s honour was a collective responsibility that the government was taking very seriously.
The Chief Minister also pointed to significant improvements in the state’s social infrastructure, with the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide affordable healthcare and the creation of Schools of Eminence to deliver high-quality education. According to him, these initiatives are helping Punjab position itself as a leader in the fields of healthcare and education, ensuring that its citizens have access to the services and opportunities they deserve. Mann concluded by expressing optimism that with sustained efforts, Punjab would continue on a path of progress while honouring the sacrifices of those who had fought for the freedoms enjoyed today.
