Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, in his “unread” address to the state Vidhan Sabha, claimed that significant strides were made by the Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force, established in 2022, in combating organized crime.
Interestingly, Purohit could read just a few lines during his customary address to the House on the first day of the session; and have to cut short amidst Congress’ protest. After reading just the first and the last paras, he asked the House to consider it as “read”.
In a comprehensive overview of the AAP-led Punjab Government's achievements in the Governor’s Address — tabled in the House — focusing on various sectors ranging from law and order to agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare, the Governor highlighted that the AGTF had arrested 951 gangsters and neutralized 14 of them involved in heinous crimes.
Additionally, 312 criminal modules were busted, leading to the recovery of 963 weapons and 208 vehicles used in criminal activities. The Governor also emphasized the Punjab Police's successful crackdown on drug smuggling, with 25,385 drug smugglers arrested and substantial amounts of narcotics seized, including 1,860 kg of heroin within the state and 147 kg intercepted at seaports in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Shifting the focus to agriculture, Purohit underscored the State Government’s initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices. He noted that 19,097 farmers had adopted direct seeding of rice on 1,70,000 acres during the financial year 2023-2024. Furthermore, efforts to support sugarcane farmers were acknowledged, with sugar mills disbursing Rs 2,558.03 crore to farmers for the 2022-23 crushing season.
The Governor also highlighted the state's commitment to water conservation, citing a 38 per cent increase in the utilization of canal water during peak demand periods and the rehabilitation of dysfunctional canals, which contributed to groundwater recharge and irrigation efficiency.
In the realm of education, Governor lauded the Government's efforts to enhance access and quality. Over 9,500 teachers were recruited since April 2022, while pre-primary enrollment witnessed a 17 per cent increase. The implementation of a centralized admission portal for higher education benefited approximately 1.5 lakh students during the 2023-2024 academic session. Moreover, the regularization of over 12,000 qualified employees and the establishment of Schools of Eminence underscored the government's commitment to educational reform.
The Governor also highlighted significant strides in healthcare delivery, including the establishment of 664 operational Aam Aadmi Clinics, which catered to over 1.07 crore visitors. Free distribution of medicines worth Rs 450 crore and diagnostic tests valued at Rs 70 crore further enhanced access to healthcare services.
Additionally, the state government's initiatives to provide free medicines, diagnostic facilities, and infrastructure upgrades in district hospitals underscored its commitment to universal healthcare.
Governor Purohit underscored the state's focus on infrastructure development, emphasizing the construction of civil air terminals and thermal power plants to bolster connectivity and energy security. The acquisition of the GVK Goindwal Sahib thermal plant at a low cost and the development of the Shahpurkandi Dam project were highlighted as key milestones in infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the Governor outlined several social welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens. These included the implementation of schemes like 'Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar' and 'Door-Step Delivery of Services,' which provided citizens with convenient access to government services. The expansion of free electricity schemes, financial assistance for veterans, and recognition of athletes' achievements demonstrated the government's commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
In conclusion, Governor Purohit emphasized the state government's commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and good governance. He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards building a prosperous and equitable future for the people of Punjab, rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability, and social justice.
The House will resume proceedings on Monday morning, when the members of the House will debate on the Governor’s address.
House Paid Tributes to ‘Martyr’ Shubhkaran
Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday paid heartfelt tributes to the young farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who tragically lost his life during the clashes between the Haryana police and protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border at Khanauri on February 21.
The farmer unions, seeking the legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP), had been pressing for the status of “martyr” for the deceased farmer. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had promptly declared a compensation of Rs one crore along with a government job for the deceased farmer's younger sister.
The demand for the martyr status for the nine farmers who have succumbed during the recent Dilli Chalo protest echoed within the assembly. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition, appealed to the Speaker for official recognition of their sacrifice.
Apart from him, the House also mourned the passing of former Deputy Speaker Baldev Raj Chawla, as well as former MLAs Ranjit Singh Talwandi, Parkash Singh Garhdiwala, and Sohan Singh Bodal. Additionally, the assembly also commemorated the bravery of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, sepoy Harsimran Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Jagpal Singh Home Guard, among others.
Homage was also paid to Harbans Kaur, wife of eminent journalist and freedom fighter Jangir Singh, martyr Amrik Singh, martyr Naib Subedar Angrez Singh, and martyr Kuldeep Singh.
As a mark of respect, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of the departed, underscoring the somber mood that enveloped the House.
