SYL WILL NEVER BECOME A REALITY: REITERATES CM

SAYS STATE GOVERNMENT DUTY BOUND TO PROTECT INTERESTS OF STATE

ASSERTS THAT BITTU’S DREAM TO OCCUPY CM RESIDENCE THROUGH THEATRICALS WILL NEVER REALIZE

DEDICATES NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SDM COMPLEX AT BHAWANIGARH

Bhawanigarh, February 22:Reiterating that the state has no single drop of water to share with any other state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal will never become a reality and the state government is duty bound to safeguard interests of Punjab.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of dedicating newly constructed SDM complex here today, the Chief Minister said that reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water with anyone. He said that Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state and reassessment of availability of water in the state is required as per international norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has even recently urged the Ravi Beas Tribunal, which is on a visit to the state for site visit of the Ravi water system, to deliver justice to the people of the state by fresh reassessment.

The Chief Minister said that most of the blocks of the state are over exploited and the groundwater situation in the state is very grim. Likewise, he said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, so it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the situation is so grim that Punjab only has scant water, which it is providing to the food growers adding that in such a scenario there is no question of sharing even a drop of water with any other states.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister while quipping on theatricals by Union Minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Chief Minister said that these rejected leaders will never be accepted by people. He said that Bittu dreams to occupy the official residence of the Chief Minister with all these tantrums but they are of no use as this is the house of the masses, who elect and send the leaders here, but people will never elect him as they are well aware of their dubious character. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against scams and extortion adding that law will take its own course in such cases and we will not buckle under any pressure.

The Chief Minister said that the incident of deporting of youth from the USA is an eye-opener for all of us that instead of going abroad in search of green pastures, the youth of the state must work hard here only and achieve success in various fields. He said that the state government is providing a number of opportunities for youth to excel in various arenas. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more than 51,000 youth have got government jobs in the state through hard work, dedication and commitment.

The Chief Minister said that there are examples where youth have got two to three jobs in the state during the last one year adding that due to this the trend of reverse migration has started as youth who had earlier settled abroad are now making a beeline to come and join the state government. He said that recently a couple has returned back from Canada to join government service here and many more such people have got the job here. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is offering the job to youth daily and they should take advantage of this situation and work here.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is fully with the Punjabis who have been recently deported from the USA. He said that the state government will provide them opportunities for rehabilitation so that they become active partners in socio-economic development of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has roped in the youth who have successfully set up their ventures, after facing the same sort of hardships and trauma, to motivate the deportees for starting a new life here.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already tightened noose around the illegal agents and cases have been filed against them. He said that the state government is very strict against the illegal travel agents because of whom these innocent Indians had gone illegally to abroad and have now been deported as in the case of the USA. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that exemplary action will be ensured against such travel agents for duping the common Indians, so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the scourge of drugs adding that the Police officers will be held accountable for major crimes taking place in the areas under their jurisdiction. He further said that unlawful activities are being dealt with a heavy hand and those involved in this crime should not be spared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that war against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement and Panchayats are being encouraged for this motive.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the newly constructed SDM office has come up at a cost of Rs 6 crore and this ultra modern building is equipped with several facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the previous governments had hardly paid any heed towards such initiatives to serve the people in a better manner adding that such buildings are being constructed while keeping in-view the future needs of people.

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CM hands over cheque worth Rs. 1 crore to the family of Shaheed constable of Sadak Surakhya Force

Bhawanigarh, February 22:Condoling the death of Punjab Police Constable Harshveer Singh who attained martyrdom in line of duty a few days back, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today handed over cheque worth Rs 1 crore to the family of martyr as a mark of respect for his supreme sacrifice for country.

The Chief Minister said that Constable Harshveer Singh had attained martyrdom while performing his duty in Sadak Surkhya Force. He said that Rs 1 crore has been given as ex-gratia by state government whereas another payment of insurance cover worth Rs 1 crore had been made by the HDFC bank. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this initiative is in recognition of the immense contribution of this son of soil towards discharging his duty in the state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the state government is duty bound to help the families of the soldiers who sacrifice their life at the altar of motherland. He said that financial assistance to family of martyr Harshveer Singh is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers (from Armed forces, paramilitary and Police) and their families. He hoped that this humble initiative by the state will go a long way in helping the aggrieved family on one hand and securing their future on the other.

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*CM Flags Off 216 State-of-the-Art Machines To give push to cleanliness in Malwa region

*Machines Worth Rs 14.30 Crore to Boost Sanitation and Sewage in Seven Districts

* Government Procures 730 Machines at Rs 40 Crore to Enhance Cleanliness in Multiple Cities

* No Stone Will Be Left Unturned to Ensure Clean Cities,” Assures Chief Minister

* Construction of Medical College in Sangrur to Commence Shortly, All obstacles cleared

Sangrur, February 22:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday flagged off 216 state-of-the-art machines including super suction-cum-jetting machines to give a push to the cleaning of sewage lines in seven districts ensuring better sanitation across cities.

Addressing the gathering at Ranbir College after the flagging off ceremony, the Chief Minister stated that these machines purchased at a cost of Rs 14.30 crore, will be deployed in seven districts including Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Malerkotla, Mansa, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib. He further announced that 730 additional machines have been procured at a cost of Rs 40 crore to improve sanitation facilities in various cities across the state.

The Chief Minister emphasized that these ultra-modern super suction-cum-jetting machines will significantly aid in cleaning sewage lines in urban areas. He highlighted that with the introduction of these machines, sanitation workers will no longer need to enter manholes manually as they will be trained to operate the equipments efficiently. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that these advanced machines will effectively address sewage-related issues bringing much-needed relief to city residents.

The Chief Minister also stressed that the Punjab government is prioritizing the cleanliness of its cities and will soon equip all urban areas with such modern tools. He acknowledged that the existing sanitation infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing population leading to sanitation challenges in larger cities. The Chief Minister assured that the government is committed to resolving these issues by providing new machinery and ensuring proper sanitation facilities across the state.

The Chief Minister announced that all obstacles hindering the establishment of a medical college in Sangrur have been resolved and the project will commence shortly. He revealed that certain individuals with vested interests had created impediments to the college's construction for personal gains, but these barriers have been successfully removed through government efforts. He emphasized that the construction of the college will begin very soon and disclosed plans to establish three new medical colleges across the state. These institutions will enable local students to pursue medical education and serve in the healthcare sector within their own regions.

In a significant move to support youth empowerment, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of eight UPSC coaching centers in Punjab with one of these centers to be opened in Sangrur. Each center will be equipped with a library, hostel and other essential facilities to provide quality training for competitive examinations. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that these centers will ensure that Punjab's youth are well-prepared to excel in national-level exams.

The Chief Minister also lauded the success of the ‘PAHEL Project’ in Sangrur district, which is economically empowering women by enabling them to manufacture uniforms for government and private schools in villages. He highlighted that this initiative has brought significant financial benefits to women and announced plans to replicate this model across the state. The goal is to make women, particularly those in rural areas, financially self-reliant.

Marking the completion of one year of the Sadak Surakhiya Force, the Chief Minister highlighted its remarkable success in reducing road accident fatalities in the state. He informed that compared to the previous year, the mortality rate has decreased by 48.10 percent. Punjab is the first state in the country to establish such a force and other states are now seeking guidance from Punjab to create similar initiatives.

Prominent among those present at the event were Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh and MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj.