CHANDIGARH, Dec. 31 — Images of Mohalla Clinics, government hospitals and renovated schools are increasingly being shared by residents across Punjab, signaling what observers describe as a growing public acknowledgment of the state government’s welfare-focused governance.
The online activity gained momentum after a photograph of a government health facility in south Punjab was shared on Instagram by an Aam Aadmi Party worker, drawing widespread attention. The post, which referenced development under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was circulated extensively and prompted similar uploads from other districts.
Unlike official campaign material, the posts have largely come from citizens documenting facilities in their own neighborhoods. Comments accompanying the images point to improved access to healthcare and education, particularly for low-income families.
“Free medicines are available now, and treatment doesn’t require running to private hospitals,” one social media user wrote. Others noted visible changes in government schools, including improved infrastructure and classroom facilities.
The Mann government has positioned health and education as its core priorities since taking office. Hundreds of Mohalla Clinics have been opened to offer free consultations and medicines for common ailments, forming the first point of contact for public healthcare.
Government hospitals are also undergoing upgrades, with authorities focusing on repairing aging infrastructure, adding medical equipment and appointing doctors and support staff. Officials say the goal is to ensure accessible and affordable care across urban and rural areas.
On the education front, enrollment in government schools has reportedly increased as facilities improve. Schools are being equipped with smart classrooms, renovated buildings and functional sanitation facilities. Teacher shortages are being addressed, while flagship programs like the ‘School of Eminence’ aim to provide quality education to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Analysts say the public response reflects a shift in how governance is being perceived. “When parents see their children receiving better education and families get treatment without financial strain, confidence in the system grows,” a political commentator said.
The rise of citizen-led documentation has also been described as a marker of participatory democracy, with residents openly praising progress and flagging gaps online. AAP leaders say such engagement reinforces their focus on welfare delivery and accountability, adding that further reforms in health and education are planned.
