Punjab CM Calls for Crusade Against Environmental Pollution
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on the occasion of Independence Day on Thursday, urged the Punjabis to launch a concerted effort to combat environmental pollution and preserve the state’s natural resources, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Guru Sahiban. Speaking at the state-level celebration held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Jalandhar, Mann highlighted Punjab’s historic role in the freedom struggle, noting that Punjabis made over 80 percent of the sacrifices during this period.
Mann emphasized the need to protect Punjab’s environment, stressing that the state’s prosperity is crucial for the country’s progress. Quoting from Gurbani, he urged the public to treat air, water, and land with reverence, advocating for a mass movement to restore Punjab’s environmental glory. He assured that the State Government is committed to making Punjab clean, green, and pollution-free.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, revealing that over 14,000 drug peddlers have been arrested, with properties worth Rs 173 crore confiscated. Mann also highlighted significant achievements under his administration, including the revitalization of canal water systems, the construction of the Malwa Canal, and the launch of the "Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar" initiative, which brings essential services directly to citizens.
Mann also celebrated the renaming of Mohali International Airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh and announced plans for a 35-foot statue of the martyr. The Chief Minister honoured freedom fighters, distributed sewing machines and tricycles to the needy, and praised the state’s youth, who are increasingly opting for government jobs over migrating abroad. The event concluded with a colorful cultural program, showcasing traditional Punjabi folk arts.
Hry Celebrates I-Day with Great Fervour, CM Hoists Tricolour in Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra/Chandigarh: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Haryana on Thursday. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya hoisted the tricolour at Yamunanagar, while Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini did the honours in Kurukshetra. Various Cabinet Ministers and State Ministers also participated in the celebrations across the State, paying homage to the martyrs by hoisting the National Flag.
Saini, in his address at the state-level program in Kurukshetra, highlighted the transformative progress Haryana has made over the past decade. He emphasized that the current government has successfully fostered harmony, goodwill, and social cohesion, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society. Saini credited the government for liberating the people from fear, corruption, nepotism, and regionalism, which previously caused inequalities in development and access to government services.
Chief Minister underscored that this Independence Day is a celebration for every individual, filled with pride and glory for every Indian. He noted that the nation is once again immersed in patriotic fervor through the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters, both known and unknown, who laid down their lives for the nation’s freedom.
Saini proudly acknowledged Haryana's pivotal role in the freedom struggle, with the revolution of 1857 beginning in Ambala Cantt. To inspire future generations, a Savtantrta Sangram Smarak is being constructed in Ambala Cantt at a cost of Rs 538 crore, now in its final stages. He also highlighted that Haryana’s brave soldiers have continued to make sacrifices in securing the nation's borders.
He further announced that from July, the pension for freedom fighters and their widows has been increased to Rs 40,000 per month, and the ex-gratia amount for families of martyrs has been raised to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, 415 dependents of martyrs have been provided government jobs, and 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in Haryana government recruitments has been approved.
HP CM Announces Disbursement of Arrears to Pensioners
Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during the state-level Independence Day function in Dehra, highlighted the significant challenges his government has faced in just 20 months, including political, economic, and disaster-related crises. Addressing the gathering at Shaheed Bhuvnesh Dogra Ground, Sukhu alleged that conspiracies were hatched to destabilize his democratically elected government through the use of money power.
The CM paid tribute to the martyrs, noting that Himachal is home to Major Somnath Sharma, the country’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient. Sukhu made several key announcements, including the immediate disbursement of arrears to pensioners and family pensioners over 75 years old, with other employees’ arrears to be paid in phases.
He also announced that claims of Pong Dam Oustees would be settled under the Forest Rights Act and introduced the Chief Minister Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which offers monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for children from single-woman households, destitute women, widows, and specially-abled parents. The government will also cover educational expenses for these children in premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and medical colleges until they turn 27.
Sukhu blamed the previous BJP government for the state's current economic challenges, citing decisions that added thousands of crores to the state’s financial burden.
