Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a strong rebuttal to the opposition’s criticism of the state’s new Land Pooling Scheme, asserting that the initiative is a progressive and farmer-centric model designed to drive holistic development across Punjab. Addressing a large gathering in the Dhuri assembly segment, the Chief Minister disbursed grants worth Rs 31.30 crore to 70 villages and outlined the transformative vision his government has for the state’s rural and urban development.
Mann dismissed the opposition’s claims as politically motivated propaganda, intended to mislead the people and derail a promising policy for narrow electoral gains. He emphasized that the Land Pooling Scheme is entirely voluntary, stating categorically that no land will be acquired forcibly. Farmers who choose to participate in the scheme will receive residential and commercial plots as compensation, turning their contribution into a long-term asset. He argued that this scheme ensures that farmers are not mere spectators but active stakeholders in Punjab’s growth story.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the creation of planned colonies under this land pooling initiative will offer farmers a sustainable income source and help shape modern, well-structured urban areas. As the policy matures, Mann assured that the process would remain fully transparent and legally sound, thus protecting the interests of every stakeholder involved.
Bhagwant Mann also spoke passionately about the ongoing battle against drugs in Punjab, highlighting the state government’s flagship campaign “Yudh Nasehyan Virudh.” He claimed that this fight is already yielding significant results, with major drug traffickers behind bars, many of whom, he noted, can be seen in the Nabha Jail. He vowed to continue the relentless crackdown until the scourge of drugs is entirely eradicated from the state.
While speaking about the Rs 31.30 crore grants distributed during the event, Mann stressed that the funds had been directly provided to village panchayats to ensure grassroots-level development. He took a dig at previous governments, accusing them of allocating funds only on paper while the actual development remained a mirage. Under his administration, every penny is being accounted for and put to use with accountability and purpose.
He urged village panchayats to undertake rigorous monitoring of all development projects to ensure quality and transparency. Mann emphasized that all villages in Dhuri assembly segment will be developed as model villages, setting new benchmarks for rural development in the region.
Criticizing the failure of previous governments to safeguard Punjab’s water resources, Mann highlighted his government’s achievement in reviving 15,947 water courses across the state. He pointed out that this effort has ensured water availability even in the remotest tail-end agricultural areas, which had long suffered from neglect.
In the area of social welfare and public utilities, Mann reiterated his government’s achievements, including the provision of free electricity to 90% of households and the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics. These clinics have served more than three crore patients to date, offering free medical services and bringing healthcare within reach of every citizen.
The Chief Minister also highlighted employment generation, revealing that over 55,000 government jobs have been provided to youth purely on merit. He presented this as a significant achievement in addressing unemployment and restoring faith in the state’s recruitment systems.
Another major announcement involved the closure of 18 toll plazas across Punjab, which Mann said is saving Rs 64 lakh daily for ordinary commuters. Furthermore, he spoke about the success of the state’s first-of-its-kind Road Safety Force, designed to reduce highway fatalities. The force, equipped with 144 modern vehicles and staffed with specially trained personnel including women, has contributed to a more than 48% decline in fatal road accidents since its inception.
Mann proudly stated that this initiative has earned accolades from other Indian states and even the central government. Continuing in the domain of healthcare, he revealed that the Punjab government will launch the “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna” on October 2. This universal healthcare initiative will provide cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh for every resident family in the state. Mann hailed this as a historic move and a model for other states to emulate, as it will drastically reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring high-quality healthcare access.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that the state assembly has passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025. This legislation is particularly aimed at reviving and supporting rural games such as bullock cart races, which are integral to Punjabi culture and heritage. Mann underlined that while promoting these traditions, his government remains committed to animal welfare and will not permit any form of cruelty.
He noted that bullock cart races, especially those held in places like Kila Raipur, have gained international recognition and are a symbol of Punjab’s rich sporting heritage. Through this bill, the government hopes to both protect cultural practices and ensure the humane treatment of animals involved.
In his closing remarks, Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to people-centric governance, transparency, and development. He emphasized that every scheme, policy, and initiative under his leadership is designed with the intention of empowering the common citizen, safeguarding the environment, and nurturing a prosperous and self-reliant Punjab.
This news story has been auto web-generated for high-value digital publication and SEO optimization.
