Chandigarh, March 5: Promising all-out efforts to meet theiraspirations, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday expressed theconfidence that the people of the state will not be carried away by the “falsepromises and euphoric claims of some leaders who are completely detached fromPunjab and Punjabiyat,” but would continue to repose confidence in histransparent, and responsive government.
Declaring that his was a “people’s government” which shallcontinue to be so for a for ‘Kaamyab and Khushal Punjab’, the Chief Ministerassured the people that his government would not let them down under anycircumstances.
“We have noted every genuine concern expressed by theMembers of this house, and would make every possible effort to meetaspirations of the people of Punjab,” he said. However, “this would need somemore time, and I am sure that the people of Punjab are conscious of this,” headded, in his concluding remarks during his speech in response to thediscussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address in the VidhanSabha.
In his over two hour long speech, Captain Amarinderthanked the people of Punjab for showing faith in his government, as manifestin the sweeping mandate for the Congress in the recently concluded municipalelection, with the party getting majority in 86 Municipalities out of 117Municipalities, and winning in 1410 wards out of 2206 wards where electionswere held. He assured the people that he, along with his team of Ministers andMLAs, would never let them down in meeting their aspirations in future as well.
He pointed out that of the 546 commitments/promisesmade to the people of Punjab in the manifest during the 2017 elections, hisgovernment had fulfilled 455, translating into success rate of 84.6% - a featnever achieved before by any political party. He assured the House that theremaining promises of his Government will also be fulfilled in the time left atits disposal.
Underlining his government’s commitment to continued welfareof the people of the state, the Chief Minister assured them, through the augustHouse, that:
❖ We would fully protect the Zarr andZameen of the State at any cost;
❖ We would ensure peaceful co-existence(Shantmayee Samaj) for all in the State;
❖ We would save lives and livelihood(Jaan and Jahan) of all Punjabis against all odds or situations that may bethrust upon us;
❖ We would reach out to every needyperson (Zarrorat Mand) to alleviate his economic miseries, and provide themtheir due benefits under the socio-economic programmes of the government;
❖ We would empower youths (SashaktNaujawan) of the State by enabling them to stand on their own feet;
❖ We would ensure adequate food, andshelter at affordable prices (Sasti Roti and Pakki Chhat) for all deserving populationsof the State; and
❖ We would develop every village, andtown of the State in a manner that everybody gets an equal opportunity to livea quality life in the State.
Summing up the outcomes of his government’s pro-poorpolicies and programmes, he reiterated the benefits delivered to farmers,domestic and industrial consumers as a result of free/subsidized power, as wellas debt relief to farmers and farm workers. He further spoke about free healthinsurance to 38 lakh families (nearly 68 % of the State's population), socialsecurity pensions to over 25 lakh old aged, widows and disabled persons,subsidized rations to 1.55 crore persons including 9 lakh persons fundedby the State, coverage of about 7.5 lakh women headed households and 7 lakh personswith disabilities.
In addition, 1.74 lakh youth had benefitted as a result ofthe Free Smartphones scheme, said the Chief Minister, adding that, contextualand locally relevant infrastructure is being developed in almost all villagesand towns of the State.