Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* Terms border residents as ‘true patriots’
* Second day of sangat darshan in attari assembly segment
Attari (Amritsar), In a major reprieve to the residents of the border districts of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the state government would provide round the clock power supply to the residents of the border districts of the state.
Addressing the gathering during second day of his Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister said that he had already passed on the necessary directions to the authorities to ensure 24×7 power supply in the border areas of the state. He said that all the deras and dhanis would also be covered under the urban pattern domestic power supply scheme of the state government as a mark of respect to the residents of border areas who were ‘true patriots’ as they have braved every odd for preserving the unity and integrity of the country. Mr. Badal said that division of the country and wars with Pakistan in the post independence era had given a fatal blow to the development and prosperity of the border towns of Punjab adding that the cities like Amritsar, Kalanaur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and others which once flourished as the leading industrial and trading hubs of the undivided Punjab have now been relegated to petty trading centers with the passage of time. Apart from this, unfortunately the people of these border areas had ever been living under a shadow of constant fear, uncertainty and turmoil though they had valiantly confronted such situations arising out of any provocation or the slightest tension from across the border.
The Chief Minister said that the state government fully recognizes the immense contribution of these brave hearts in upholding the unity and integrity of the country due to which special efforts were afoot to herald a new era of unprecedented development in these areas of the state. He said that due attention was being given in imparting quality healthcare and educational facilities to the residents of these areas. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the state government was also giving relief to the farmers of these areas whose land falls across the border fence by compensating them for their huge loss.
The Chief Minister said that the sole aim of the Sangat Darshan program was to ensure on the spot redressal of the grievances of people. He said that Punjab was the only state in the country, which had this unique mechanism solving the problems faced by people. Mr. Badal said that besides giving boost to the development of the state the Sangat Darshan was also helpful in adjudging the performance of the officers/ officials.
Earlier in village Rajataal, the Chief Minister asked the Police department to review the list of persons with suspected credentials involved in acts of smuggling in the past so as to ensure that no unwarranted harassment and injustice was done to them, who had now given up such immoral and anti-social activities and leading a normal life as a peaceful and law abiding citizens. He asked the officers to evolve a foolproof mechanism for nabbing the drug peddlers to check the menace of drugs in the state adding that no excesses should be done to anyone, who was not at all linked to it.
Later on interacting with the media persons at Attari, the Chief Minister exhorted the people to maintain communal harmony, peace and brotherhood. He said that all of us should follow the teachings of great Sikh Gurus, who have shown the path of equality and love to them. Mr. Badal further said that the brave Punjabis must crush the ugly head of divisive forces which were bent upon to derail the development of the state.
Referring to the tragic happening of suicide attempt by a girl at Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said that he was deeply anguished to learn about it since this incident was very sad and unfortunate. He said the doors of his residence were ever open for everyone, who could come and meet him for their work or redressal of their grievances.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Inspector General of Police Mr. Ishwar Chander and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat.
