Following the path shown by Bhagwan Valmiki Ji to carve out an egalitarian society: asserts CM

Amritsar, October 17, 2024: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is following the path and high ideals shown by Bhagwan Valmiki Ji so as to carve out an egalitarian society. 

Addressing the gathering after laying obeisance at Bhagwan Sri Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) Amritsar, the Chief Minister reiterated that Bhagwan Valmiki Ji was the “Pitaamah” of Sanskrit language and first poet or the Adi Kavi of the world who by his immortal and masterpiece composition the “Ramayana” propagated the message of victory of good over evil. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that the great epic has from centuries taught the way of life to the people and has been a lighthouse of ethical and moral living for the people which were far more relevant in the present materialistic society. He said that teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji emphasized on the equality in the society along with the ethics of what an ideal man, ideal ruler and ideal people should follow for the creation of an ideal state or society.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is the land of great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets adding that it is a matter of great pride that Bhagwan Valmiki ji had on this pious land imparted training to Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Ram ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is fortunate to have got the opportunity to pay obeisance on this holy land. He said that the state government is committed to further pump in the resources for the comprehensive development of this sacred place. 

The Chief Minister said that every possible step will be taken for further beautification of this place so as to perpetuate the life and philosophy of Bhagwan Valmiki ji. He said that the state government is following the footsteps of Bhagwan Valmiki ji for ensuring the well being of every starta of society. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is taking every possible step to further cement the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in Punjab. 

The Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds for the holistic development of this blessed land and no stone will be left unturned for it. He said that the state government has decided to end the inhuman treatment with the sewerage-men in Punjab by upgrading infrastructure. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state government has purchased new machinery to facilitate the smooth execution of duty by sewerage-men.

Reiterating the firm commitment of state government to eliminate word contractual from government service, the Chief Minister said that the state government is already mulling a policy to regularise the services of sanitary workers. He said that a high powered committee has been already constituted for this purpose and a viable mechanism will soon be evolved for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is the firm believer of fact that poverty will not be eliminated merely through lip service of leaders but it can be eradicated with empowerment of common man. 

The Chief Minister said that education is the key that can pull  people out of poverty by raising their standard of living. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is tirelessly making efforts to improve the standard of education to empower the common man. He said that today the students from government schools are cracking the prestigious exams like JEE and others adding that it will help in improving their living standard. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that till now sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but within six months it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students adding that in similar manner the government health system is also being upgraded.

The Chief Minister said that 860 Aam Aadmi Clinics have already been established by the government which have treated more than 2 crore people and 95-percent of them are now healthy. He said that these clinics have been set up with which people are providing best health facilities to the people near their homes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these clinics have also helped the government in preparing a database for checking the various diseases prevalent in the state and combating them effectively.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) launched by him on January 27, 2024 at PAP complex in Jalandhar and in eight months of its existence it has helped in reducing the number of deaths caused due to road accidents by 45.03%. He said that from February to September 2023, 1454 persons were killed on the roads of the state in accidents, whereas this year after launch of this force 794 persons have lost their lives in road casualties from February 2024 to September 2024. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 15309 injured were provided first aid treatment during this period adding that the response time of SSF in case of any casualty is merely 6-8 minutes and this force has emerged as ‘lifesaver’ for the people.