Ferozepur: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the 80th year of India’s Independence would mark a new phase of economic freedom for women in Punjab, with mothers and daughters gaining greater financial independence and the freedom to spend their own money according to their wishes.
Mann made the remarks after unfurling the National Tricolour at the state-level Independence Day function in Ferozepur.
He said more than 65 lakh women are already receiving financial assistance under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, out of the 74.59 lakh women registered under the scheme.
Mann Highlights Women’s Empowerment and Punjab’s Development
The Chief Minister said his government was working to fulfil the aspirations of the freedom fighters by focusing on the welfare of all sections of society and building a prosperous and โRangla Punjabโ.
He said the government’s focus on empowerment extends beyond financial assistance and includes education, healthcare, employment opportunities for youth, canal water for farmers, the fight against drugs and stronger public safety.
Mann also emphasised the importance of preserving Punjab’s peace, brotherhood and communal harmony.
Extending Independence Day greetings, he paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters associated with Ferozepur, describing it as a sacred land that holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle.
CM Pays Tribute to Punjab’s Martyrs
Mann remembered the 21 Sikh soldiers of the Battle of Saragarhi and paid tribute to the martyrs associated with Hussainiwala.
He recalled the sacrifices of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, whose legacy remains deeply associated with Punjab’s history.
The Chief Minister said the last rites of revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt and Mata Vidyavati, the mother of Bhagat Singh, were also performed at Hussainiwala.
He said a heritage complex dedicated to the memory of the martyrs is being constructed at Hussainiwala at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
Mann also praised the people living in Punjab’s border districts for standing firm in the face of security challenges, natural calamities and other difficulties.
Mann Warns Against Attempts to Disturb Punjab’s Peace
Reflecting on the Partition of 1947, Mann said Punjab had paid a heavy price during the division of the country, with millions of families forced to leave their homes.
He said the Partition was not merely the division of a country but also resulted in the separation of families, relationships and shared emotions.
Mann said Punjabis continue to hope for easier access to sacred gurdwaras and shrines that were left across the border.
The Chief Minister also issued a strong warning to forces attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace and communal harmony.
He said Punjab’s history and culture stand for togetherness and โSarbat Da Bhalaโ, and asserted that hatred would have no place in the state.
