Anti-drug drive, health cover key steps: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on R-Day

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unfurled the Tricolour at Hoshiarpur on the Republic Day and recounted the campaign against drugs, universal health cover and job creation through private investment among his government’s major achievements.

He also said Chandigarh “was, is and will remain” an integral part of Punjab, warning against conspiracies to “snatch” it, Panjab University and state’s water rights.

Recalling Punjab’s “unmatched sacrifice” in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, the Chief Minister said the state continued to be denied a separate High Court.

Linking governance with faith and heritage, the Chief Minister recalled the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom day Guru Teg Bahadur by his government and the declaration of Amritsar walled city, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities.

He announced that the 650th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas would be celebrated on similar lines with full state-level arrangements, with programmes to be held from February 1 this year till February 20, 2027.

Highlighting key governance initiatives, the CM Mann said decisive action against drugs and gangsters under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan te Vaar’, respectively, had put Punjab back on the path of peace and progress.

He cited free cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh for all families and over 63,000 government jobs “provided without bribes”as key steps.

He also highlighted economic progress, saying the state attracted investments worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore since 2022, generating 5.2 lakh jobs.

He said the Punjab Investment Summit would be held from March 13 to 15.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade, witnessed colourful cultural performances and felicitated freedom fighters and achievers.