Ferozepur, August 15: State administration will take decisive measures against any attempts to disrupt communal peace in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared during his Independence Day speech at Ferozepur. The address highlighted key development initiatives in healthcare, pilgrimage assistance, and women’s financial security while reflecting on Punjab’s enduring role in national history.
The Chief Minister stressed that the state remains deeply committed to social unity and welfare, choosing to detail administrative milestones rather than engaging in political polemics.
“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 stated. “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. We are a community who seek ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’ every day by praying in gurdwaras. Assi mohabbat de phul ugande haan, nafrat de nahi.”
In the healthcare sector, the state has established more than 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics, catering to over 5.25 crore outpatient visits to date.
“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,” Chief Minister Mann affirmed regarding future medical planning.
The government’s focus on women’s welfare was featured prominently throughout the ceremony through dedicated tableaus and physical demonstrations. Describing the monthly financial grants under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, he noted that over 65.62 lakh women have received quarterly transfers.
“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 asserted. “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.”
He further maintained that spiritual initiatives like the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra scheme have successfully assisted over four lakh devotees in undertaking sacred journeys.
Touching upon historical grief, Chief Minister Mann remembered the enduring sacrifices of freedom fighters and the lasting impact of Partition on local families.
“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.”
