Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, accompanied by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, visited Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirth Sthal, and Sri Durgiana Mandir on Sunday to express gratitude for the successful completion of three years of the state government.
Both leaders expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Punjab and usher in an era of unprecedented development. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal emphasized their commitment to following the teachings of the great Sikh Gurus in serving the public, pledging to further accelerate the state's progress. They noted the significant transformation in Punjab over the past three years and envisioned the state leading the nation in various fields in the coming two years.
Reflecting on his tenure, the Chief Minister recalled that on this day in 2022, he had assumed office in the native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He acknowledged the immense responsibility entrusted to him by the people through a decisive mandate in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections. Since then, Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, the government has been dedicated to positioning Punjab at the forefront in every sector.
The Chief Minister highlighted the launch of free power services in 2022, benefiting 90% of households with zero power bills. This initiative, he stated, has significantly alleviated financial burdens for common citizens. He further expressed pride that farmers, alongside domestic consumers, are receiving free and uninterrupted electricity.
He also recalled the resumption of coal supply from the Pachwara mines shortly after assuming office and the state’s historic acquisition of the Goindwal power plant from a private company. Bhagwant Singh Mann underscored that, unlike previous administrations that sold state assets at minimal prices, his government has reversed the trend by bringing private power plants under public ownership.
In an effort to empower youth, the Punjab government has provided over 51,000 government jobs in just 36 months, a record-breaking initiative executed purely on merit, without corruption or favoritism.
To enhance healthcare accessibility, the state government has established 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have transformed the medical landscape in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that over 2.70 crore people have benefited from these clinics, highlighting their widespread impact.
On the education front, the Punjab government is committed to upgrading 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools into Schools of Eminence, featuring modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and sports facilities. He mentioned that government school enrolment in pre-primary classes has surged by approximately 17%, while teachers and principals are being sent abroad for specialized training to enhance their expertise.
The Chief Minister also emphasized Punjab’s progress in irrigation, stating that while only 21% of canal water was previously utilized for agriculture, the figure has now risen to 75%. This has ensured that farmers at the tail ends of the canal system receive their fair share of water while simultaneously conserving groundwater.
As part of citizen-centric governance, the Punjab government introduced the "Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar" initiative, offering doorstep delivery of 43 essential government services. This scheme, he stated, has significantly improved administrative efficiency and convenience for residents.
Bhagwant Singh Mann further highlighted Punjab’s peaceful environment and investment-friendly policies, which have attracted around ₹94,000 crore in investments from companies like Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles. He credited the state’s excellent infrastructure, skilled workforce, and conducive business atmosphere for this economic boost.
To facilitate spiritual journeys, the government launched the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme, enabling citizens to visit pilgrimage sites free of cost. More than 35,000 pilgrims have already benefited from this initiative.
Additionally, Punjab introduced a pioneering road safety initiative, the Sadak Surakhya Force, to enhance security on highways and reduce road accident fatalities. With 1,597 specially trained personnel and 144 advanced vehicles, the force has contributed to a 48.10% decline in accident-related casualties since its inception. This initiative has been widely praised, even at the national level.
Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lauded the Punjab government’s historic decisions over the past three years, expressing confidence that the coming years would bring further transformative changes. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to uplifting weaker and underprivileged sections of society.
Kejriwal reaffirmed the government's determination to ensure justice for all, accelerate economic growth, and eliminate corruption and drug-related issues. He expressed optimism about Punjab’s future, envisioning it as a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive state with active youth participation in its development.