Spotlight
oi-Oneindia Staff
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said his government had earned the trust of people through its work over the past four-and-a-half years, highlighting improvements in electricity supply, irrigation, healthcare, education and employment. Addressing a Lok Milni programme in Mimsa village in Dhuri constituency, he also accused political opponents of attempting to damage his reputation because they could not challenge his record.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted his government’s 4.5-year achievements, including expanded canal irrigation reaching 1,587 villages (60.30 lakh acres) with ₹7,200 crore investment, over 70,000 jobs provided, free electricity for over 90% households, and the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna offering ₹10 lakh cashless healthcare.
Mann Highlights Farmers’ Relief, Canal Irrigation
Mann said farmers were receiving electricity during the daytime and that canal irrigation had expanded significantly under his government. He claimed canal water had reached 1,587 villages that had never received it before, while the area covered by canal irrigation had increased from 20.89 lakh acres in 2022 to 60.30 lakh acres.
According to the Chief Minister, the government had spent ₹7,200 crore to expand irrigation facilities. He also said more than 90% of households were receiving free electricity and assured farmers that payments for paddy procurement would be transferred directly to their bank accounts before they returned home from the mandis.
Government Schemes, Jobs And Healthcare
The Chief Minister said government welfare schemes were helping families save around ₹15,000 every month. He cited more than 70,000 government jobs provided to young people, improved public infrastructure and the closure of toll plazas that he said had saved commuters ₹70 lakh daily.
Mann also highlighted the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which families are eligible for cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh. He said the initiative was intended to help people access healthcare without worrying about hospital expenses.
On the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, Mann said eligible women aged 18 and above would receive monthly assistance of ₹1,000, while eligible Scheduled Caste women would receive ₹1,500 from July 1. He added that around 97% of women in Punjab were expected to benefit, with ₹9,300 crore allocated for the scheme.
Mann Points To Education Improvements
Mann said strengthening government schools was essential to reducing poverty and improving opportunities for children from ordinary families. He referred to teacher training, Schools of Eminence and other education initiatives as part of the government’s efforts to improve learning standards.
The Chief Minister highlighted an increase in government school students qualifying for NEET, from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026. He said the government wanted students from public schools to compete with their counterparts across the country.
He also said public funds were being directed towards schools, hospitals, roads, village development and sports facilities, arguing that government spending should directly benefit the people.
CM Accuses BJP, Opponents Of Targeting Him
Taking aim at political opponents, Mann alleged that those unable to challenge his government’s performance were resorting to personal attacks and attempts to tarnish his image. Referring to a CBI raid at his office, he claimed the agency had returned empty-handed.
“The BJP thought that raids and pressure would intimidate me, but the CBI returned empty-handed after the raid at my office,” Mann said, reiterating that he would not compromise on Punjab’s interests.
The Chief Minister also said elected representatives must remain accessible to the public and address people’s grievances instead of limiting themselves to offices and formal meetings.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Mann said his doors had always been open to the people of Punjab and would remain so. He maintained that his government would continue focusing on development, transparency and accountability, adding that political parties should ultimately be judged by their record of public service.
