CM Mann dedicates 500 Villages Gyms across Punjab, says sports key to fighting drug menace
Babushahi Bureau
Faridkot (Punjab), June 28: Reaffirming its commitment to combating drug abuse and promoting a healthier lifestyle among youth, the Punjab Government on Sunday dedicated 500 modern village gyms across the state as part of its ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign.
Launching the initiative from Chand Baja village in Faridkot, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government aims to foster a vibrant sporting culture by providing better sports infrastructure in rural areas and encouraging young people to stay away from drugs.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the initiative as a landmark step towards building a “Drug-Free, Healthy and Rangla Punjab.”
“Today is a historic day for the youth of Punjab and the sporting fraternity. These village gyms and sports grounds are strengthening our ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. We have inaugurated 500 village gyms, and our vision is to build a healthier future for Punjab’s youth,” Mann said.
Highlighting the state’s investment in sports, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has allocated a record ₹1,791 crore for the sports sector. He said the government has set a target of establishing 3,000 modern village gyms across the state at an estimated cost of nearly ₹200 crore.
Mann said the gyms are intended to serve as more than just fitness centres, calling them the foundation of a healthier generation. He added that the government is also developing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab, of which 250 have already been dedicated to the public.
The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s initiative to rejuvenate village ponds across the state. He said an extensive plan has been prepared to clean ponds and utilize the treated water for agricultural purposes, reducing dependence on groundwater while promoting sustainable water management.
Speaking about the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, Mann said women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will begin receiving notifications on their mobile phones from July 1 regarding the financial assistance to be credited directly into their bank accounts.
Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. Women already receiving social security pensions will also be covered under the scheme, he said.
The Chief Minister stated that nearly 97 per cent of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the initiative, for which the government has earmarked ₹9,300 crore in the state budget.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.