Punjab Govt committed to honour martyrs, freedom fighters: Minister
Paying tribute to the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle during the Republic Day celebrations at Zakir Hussain Stadium, Dr Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister of Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs, reiterated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s commitment to recognising those who sacrificed for the nation’s independence.
The government has taken significant steps to honour martyrs, including renaming Mohali International Airport in memory of Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, increasing the ex-gratia grant for martyr families from Rs 50 lakh to 1 crore, and extending grants to Agniveer martyrs.
Dr Singh also highlighted key government initiatives in employment, health, education, and free electricity, emphasising that nearly 50,000 government jobs have been created in the past 34 months, with more on the way.
The Minister further noted the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi clinics, offering free healthcare, and the expansion of high-tech ambulances, with 325 now in operation, including 58 new ones at a cost of Rs 14 crore.
Dr Singh reaffirmed the Punjab government’s focus on urban development, announcing Rs 450 crore grant for urban infrastructure this fiscal year, along with major sewage treatment upgrades to improve clean water supply in urban areas.
In response to demands from AAP legislators Jamil Ur Rahman and Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, the Chief Minister has approved several major projects, including a proposed Rs 325 crore Medical College, a 150-bed ESI Hospital, rural libraries, and administrative complexes.
On the occasion, kin of freedom fighters, Kargil martyrs, and distinguished individuals from various sectors were honoured.
