Ferozepur, August 15: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued a strong warning to forces attempting to undermine communal harmony and peace in the state while addressing the public on the 80th Independence Day in Ferozepur. Focusing his speech on governance achievements, the state’s historical sacrifices, and social harmony, the Chief Minister refrained from directing political attacks at opposition parties.
The address placed major emphasis on state welfare initiatives, particularly the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, which delivers direct financial support to women across the state.
“There are a few forces which are trying to disturb the peace of Punjab and are trying to harm the communal harmony of the state,” Chief Minister Mann asserted. “But I want to give a stern warning to all of them that Punjab’s land is very fertile. We can grow any crop here, but seeds of hatred can never germinate in this soil.”
He affirmed the state’s spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence, adding, “We are a community who seek ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’ every day by praying in gurdwaras. Assi mohabbat de phul ugande haan, nafrat de nahi.”
Reflecting on the historical context of the occasion, the Chief Minister spoke about the profound impact of Partition on the people of Punjab and acknowledged the deep sacrifices made during the freedom movement.
“This pain of Partition is to stay for generations together,” he declared. “Partition was not only of the country but a partition of many dreams, emotions, and even today we pray for the darshan of our ‘Guru Dhams’ left in Pakistan.”
Turning to social welfare measures, Chief Minister Mann reviewed the expansion of financial aid for women, noting that 74.59 lakh women had registered for the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, with benefits already reaching 65.62 lakh recipients for the July-September quarter.
“Though we are stepping into the 80th Independence Day, for our Mawan-Dhiyan, this year came as a year of financial independence when they were free to spend a token amount of money of their own will,” he maintained. “This is not a very big amount but a small gift from your son/brother. This can’t make a large difference in your finances, but it is a sign of respect for your financial independence.”
Healthcare accessibility was another major theme, with the administration detailing the operation of over 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics that have served more than 5.25 crore OPD patients.
“We are preparing a database to find out as to in which areas which types of diseases are more prevalent as per the OPD statistics, so as to provide health facilities accordingly in those areas,” he stated.
He also pointed out the success of the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra scheme, which has facilitated travel for over four lakh pilgrims across the state.
