DW BUREAU / Dinanagar (Gurdaspur)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the progressive and brave border region of the state had lagged behind in the pace of development due to regressive and feudal policies of the dynasties that have been representing this area since long.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating Railway Over Bridge here today, the Chief Minister said that the residents of border districts of the state are brave people who have always safeguarded the unity and sovereignty of the country. He said that this is the land blessed by great Gurus and is inhabited by brave and hard working people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though leaders from this area had remained in pivotal positions, they never bothered about the development of the region and welfare of people.

The Chief Minister said that the leaders who have been elected from here since long have done nothing to give fillip to development of the region. He said that this region which had produced great patriots and nationalists had not witnessed the development during the regime of these rulers. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that it is unfortunate that despite being at the helm of affairs for a considerably long time these leaders just focussed on their growth and development rather than that of the region.

The Chief Minister said that these opportunistic leaders have no ideology and their only aim is just to remain in power for which they frequently switch their loyalties. Citing an example, he said that in this area one house has two flags of separate parties because these leaders want that all the power should remain in their hands only.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had got new wardrobes stitched in hope of getting elected by the people but their dreams never came true as people out rightly rejected them.

The Chief Minister said that out of 17 toll plazas that have been closed by his government 14 were constructed by a self proclaimed leader of this area who had remained PWD Minister. He said that these leaders had just done lip service to the people whereas his government has delivered services to the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people should elect the leaders who are their companions and not those who want to rule them.

However, the Chief Minister said that ever since he has assumed the charge of office every day a new saga of development and growth is being witnessed in the state. He said that the state government is committed for safeguarding the interests of Punjab and no stone is being left unturned for it.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier governments had done nothing else than nepotism and favouritism but his government has ensured all-round development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has taken several path breaking initiatives for welfare of the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 90% households are now getting free power, more than 43,000 youth have got government jobs, health and education facilities are being provided to people. He said that all these initiatives are aimed at the well being of the common man and no stone is being left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the post-independence era his government has started the work for construction of Malwa canal in the state adding that it is on record that none of the previous governments of the state had paid heed towards this necessity of the state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that this around 150 kilometre long new canal will usher a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity in the state especially in Malwa region. He further said that the state government will spend around Rs 2300 crore on this prestigious project that will cater to irrigational needs of nearly two lakh acres of fertile land of the state.

Quoting verse 'Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat' from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees.

The Chief Minister said that this region produces maximum soldiers for the country and to recognize their supreme sacrifice the state government gives Rs 1 crore as financial assistance to families of any soldier who attains martyrdom during line of duty while serving the country. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to help the families of the soldiers who sacrifice their life at the altar of the motherland, he said that it is the bounden duty of the Punjab government to bail out the families of these heroes in hour of crisis.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the financial assistance to the families of martyrs is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers and their families.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs. He said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big drug peddlers have been put behind the bars. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that massive efforts are being made to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction by encouraging sports in the state.
(editor@dailyworld.in)