Reaffirming its commitment to making Punjab a drug-free, healthy and sporting state, the Bhagwant Mann Government on Sunday achieved another major milestone by dedicating 500 modern village gyms across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative is aimed at promoting a vibrant sporting culture to steer youth away from the menace of drugs under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. Backed by a record ₹1,791 crore sports budget, the state government is establishing 3,000 modern village gyms and developing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab while simultaneously undertaking a large-scale drive to rejuvenate village ponds for sustainable agricultural use.
Addressing the gathering after dedicating the village gyms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic day for the youth of Punjab and the sporting fraternity. These village gyms and sports grounds are playing a vital role in strengthening our ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. We have inaugurated 500 village gyms from Chand Baja village in Faridkot, and I congratulate the youth of Punjab on this unique and landmark initiative. Our sole vision is to build a Drug-Free, Healthy and Rangla Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, a record ₹1,791 crore has been allocated exclusively for sports. Providing our youth with access to playgrounds and modern gyms is among our highest priorities. We have set a target of establishing 3,000 modern village gyms across the state at a cost of nearly ₹200 crore.”
He further said, “These are not merely gyms. They are the foundation of a healthier generation and a brighter future for Punjab’s youth. Simultaneously, 3,100 sports grounds are being developed across all districts of the state, out of which 250 sports grounds have already been dedicated to the people.”
Highlighting another key initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government has also launched a massive campaign to rejuvenate village ponds across the state. An elaborate plan has already been prepared to clean these ponds, and the treated water will be utilized for agricultural purposes. This initiative will help reduce dependence on underground water and promote sustainable water management.”
Referring to the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister said, “From July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will start receiving notifications on their mobile phones regarding the financial assistance that will be credited directly into their bank accounts. Every woman from Punjab will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme.”
He noted, “Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this landmark initiative. The state government has already made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore to ensure its effective implementation.”
Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
