Faridkot, June 29: Punjab government on Sunday dedicated 500 modern village gyms across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unveiled the state-level initiative from Chand Baja village in Faridkot, maintaining that the development forms a critical part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ anti-drug campaign.
The sports administration has deployed an unprecedented ₹1,791 crore sports budget to establish a comprehensive network of 3,000 modern village fitness centers and 3,100 playgrounds. The Chief Minister declared that the extensive project, estimated to cost nearly ₹200 crore for the gymnasiums alone, aims to lay a resilient foundation for the physical well-being of upcoming generations.
Reflecting on the infrastructure rollout, the Chief Minister said, “Today is a historic day for the youth of Punjab and the sporting fraternity. These village gyms and sports grounds are playing a vital role in strengthening our ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. We have inaugurated 500 village gyms from Chand Baja village in Faridkot, and I congratulate the youth of Punjab on this unique and landmark initiative.”
Parallel to the wellness initiatives, the administration is driving sustainable resources in rural regions by converting village ponds into productive assets. The Chief Minister pointed out that an advanced filtration roadmap will allow treated water to be channeled directly into agricultural operations, preserving vital subsoil water reserves.
Addressing direct public support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “From July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will start receiving notifications on their mobile phones regarding the financial assistance that will be credited directly into their bank accounts.” He added that a structured budgetary reserve of ₹9,300 crore ensures the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna seamlessly reaches an estimated 97 percent of the state’s female population.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan joined several regional senior leaders at the high-profile launch assembly.
