In a move aimed at inculcating reading habits amongst the youth, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday dedicated 12 state-of-the-art Libraries to the people of the state.
 
“These 12 Libraries are just a beginning and 16 more such libraries will be soon inaugurated,” said the Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering.  He said that these world-class libraries are equipped with ultra-modern facilities to ensure that they act as a paradise for book lovers. He said that hi-tech facilities like Air conditioners, Invertors, CCTV cameras, Wifi and others.  

Mann said that these libraries are a true repository of knowledge and literature adding that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for all of us that this state of the art libraries houses precious books on varied subjects, which attracts book lovers. 
 
The CM said that the collection of libraries includes some of the rare and precious books, which would be a big asset for book lovers. He envisioned that these libraries will prove to be a game changer for transforming the destiny of the students. He said that the motive is to prepare the youth for becoming active partners in the socio-economic growth of the state.

Mann said the state government will replicate the ‘Pehal’ scheme going on in the district at the state level to set up production units in every household. Citing the example of China, he said that like that country Punjab will be made a leading producer of goods in the world through this mechanism. He added that Punjabis have been blessed with an indomitable spirit of hard work, dedication and commitment due to which they excel in every sphere.

 The CM announced that in a paradigm shift, the state government will get the uniforms of the government schools in Punjab stitched from the Self-Help Groups. He said that SHGs are working tirelessly in the villages of the state and this move will help in strengthening the working of these groups, adding that this move will go a long way in empowering the women, especially in the rural areas.

He claimed that the state government has so far given 36521 jobs in the first 18 months of its tenure thereby setting a record of providing government service to 2000 youth every month. He said that it is a record as none of the previous governments have given so many jobs to youth, especially in the initial months of its tenure. Mann reiterated that merit and transparency have been the twin pillars based on which jobs have been given to the youth across the state.