Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, social unity and peaceful coexistence, describing Punjab as a land where “the seeds of hatred can never take root.”
Addressing a large gathering during the spiritual programme ‘Ek Sham Shiv Ke Naam’ in Patiala, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s identity has always been defined by mutual respect among communities and that preserving this spirit remains one of the foremost responsibilities of his government.
Speaking before religious leaders, saints and devotees, Mann said Punjab’s cultural fabric has been woven through generations of shared traditions, where people from different faiths participate in each other’s festivals and celebrations. He said this unique social harmony has helped the state overcome difficult periods in its history and continues to remain its greatest strength.
“Punjab is a fertile land where every seed can grow except the seed of hatred,” the Chief Minister remarked, adding that the state’s people have consistently demonstrated that humanity, compassion and brotherhood transcend religious differences.
He said the presence of devotees belonging to different faiths at an event dedicated to Lord Shiva reflected the true character of Punjab, where diversity is celebrated rather than divided. According to Mann, such gatherings reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence that have long defined the state’s social and cultural identity.
Calling it a privilege to participate in the programme, the Chief Minister said he felt honoured to be among spiritual leaders and members of the public assembled to celebrate the message of peace, humanity and unity.
He paid tribute to the saints and religious figures present at the event, saying that every faith deserves equal respect and that the state government remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all sections of society without discrimination.
“The government is working for every religion with equal respect and sincerity. Our objective is to build an inclusive society where every citizen feels secure, respected and empowered,” he said.
Mann observed that the enthusiastic public participation at the event reflected people’s continued faith in Punjab’s shared cultural heritage and strengthened the government’s resolve to work with greater dedication for public welfare.
Alongside his message of communal harmony, the Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his government, linking social peace with inclusive development.
He said the closure of 19 toll plazas across the state has provided substantial financial relief to commuters, resulting in collective savings of nearly ₹70 lakh every day. The move, he said, was aimed at reducing the daily financial burden on ordinary citizens while improving ease of travel.
The Chief Minister also reiterated that more than 68,000 government jobs have been provided through a transparent recruitment process based solely on merit. He described employment generation as one of the government’s highest priorities, saying opportunities should be available to deserving youth without political influence or monetary considerations.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Mann said the government is constructing nearly 44,000 kilometres of roads while simultaneously strengthening Punjab’s canal irrigation network to ensure adequate water reaches farmers across the state.
He added that around 90 per cent of households are currently benefiting from free electricity, while farmers are receiving assured daytime power supply to support agricultural operations.
Turning to the government’s flagship social welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, under which eligible women have begun receiving direct financial assistance from July this year.
He said the scheme provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, while women belonging to Scheduled Caste communities receive ₹1,500 every month. According to Mann, the next instalment will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts on August 1.
The Chief Minister further stated that women already receiving social security pensions would also remain eligible under the programme, ensuring wider social protection for vulnerable households.
He said the state government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the current Budget for implementing the scheme and claimed that nearly 97 per cent of eligible women across Punjab are expected to benefit from it.
Concluding his address, Mann reiterated that economic development and social harmony must move forward together. He said Punjab’s progress depends not only on infrastructure and welfare programmes but also on preserving the values of mutual trust, brotherhood and communal peace that have long distinguished the state.
He urged people to continue strengthening these traditions, saying that a peaceful and united Punjab provides the strongest foundation for inclusive development and lasting prosperity.
