Cabinet Minister Bhullar Hoists Flag at Independence Day Ceremony in Ferozepur
Highlights Punjab’s Comprehensive Development Under CM’s Leadership
Ferozepur, August 15, 2024 - The District-Level Independence Day celebration was held at Cantt Board Stadium, Firozpur Cantonment, where Punjab’s Transport and Rural Development Minister, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, attended as the Chief Guest and performed the flag-hoisting ceremony. He also took the salute from the contingents of the Punjab Police, Punjab Police Women's Wing, Punjab Home Guard, and NCC Scouts and Guides. Deputy Commissioner Shri Rajesh Dhiman and SSP Saumya Mishra were also present.
Minister Bhullar paid tribute to the countless freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices led to India’s independence in his address to the district residents. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is ensuring the all-round development of the state. He mentioned significant initiatives by the government, such as combating corruption, eradicating drug abuse, implementing the "Farishte Scheme," and providing free electricity, all of which have yielded positive results.
Minister Bhullar also highlighted the rich history of Firozpur, known as the land of martyrs, and the significant contributions of Punjabis to the freedom struggle, which have made the entire country proud. He spoke about various government initiatives aimed at improving education, and healthcare, and providing better facilities to farmers, labourers, traders, and the general public. The Minister announced plans to make Punjab the leading state in terms of development, with several initiatives already underway.
Among these is the introduction of 19 government Volvo buses connecting various cities in Punjab to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, providing affordable and comfortable travel. Additionally, the state government has spent over ₹1548 crore to offer free bus travel to women between March 2022 and July 15, 2024. The "Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme" has been launched to facilitate religious travel for the state's residents. The government has also undertaken a special campaign to reclaim illegally occupied Panchayat lands, successfully recovering around 12,341 acres worth over ₹3000 crore. Furthermore, the government has provided over 44,000 government jobs in 28 months and increased the pension for freedom fighters from ₹9,400 to ₹11,000.
Before attending the event, Minister Bhullar paid homage to the national martyrs at the Hussainiwala Shaheed Memorial. He announced that a museum would be constructed at Hussainiwala Shaheed Memorial at a cost of ₹25 crores, with the first instalment of ₹2.5 crore already released. A bus service will also be launched to facilitate visitors to the site.
During the event, various personalities, including freedom fighters, families of Kargil martyrs, athletes, students, officers, and employees, were honoured by the Chief Guest. The ceremony also featured cultural performances showcasing patriotic fervour, including Punjab’s traditional dances Giddha and Bhangra. The parade was led by DSP Atul Soni.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including MLA Firozpur City S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Firozpur Rural Shri Rajneesh Dahiya, MLA Zira Shri Naresh Kataria, MLA Guru Harsahai Shri Faujja Singh Sarari, Commissioner Firozpur Division Shri Arun Sekhri, DIG Shri Ajay Maluja, District and Sessions Judge Shri Varinder Agarwal, District Planning Committee Chairman Shri Chand Singh Gill, Shri Shaminder Singh Khinda, Chairman Punjab Agro, Dr Malkit Singh Thind, District President Aam Aadmi Party, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr Nidhi Kumud Bamba, Additional Deputy Commissioner Development Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, SDM Dr Charumita Sekhar, Deputy DEO Pragat Singh Brar, Shri Ashok Behl Secretary Red Cross, National Awardee Dr Satinder Singh, along with a large number of officials, political leaders, students from various schools, teachers, and Panchayat representatives.