Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted the national flag at a state-level Independence Day function in Faridkot on Thursday. He inspected the parade and took the salute from the march past, with Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav in attendance.
Extending greetings to the people of the country, especially Punjabis, Mann said the community had contributed 80 per cent to India’s freedom struggle. He expressed happiness at celebrating the occasion in the land of Baba Sheikh Farid, calling him the first great poet of Punjabi and a revered Sufi saint of the 12th century.
Mann said the state government was committed to providing employment to the youth and would eradicate the menace of drugs and gangsters at all costs. Government departments showcased their achievements during the event, and the Chief Minister felicitated soldiers, Punjab Police personnel, families of freedom fighters, and other distinguished personalities.
Recalling the contributions of martyrs Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, Sukhdev and Lala Lajpat Rai, Mann announced that the ‘Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana’ will be launched on October 2, providing health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh to each family in the state. He said all government hospitals and 552 private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, with the state bearing the treatment costs.
Highlighting healthcare initiatives, Mann said 881 ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ have been opened so far, catering to around 70,000 people daily, and the number will soon be increased to 1,000.
