Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Declares All Pre-Poll Promises Fulfilled as AAP Completes Four Years in Office
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made a bold claim, stating that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the only political party to have fully delivered on all its pre-election assurances during its tenure. This announcement came as the AAP government marked its fourth anniversary in power on Monday, with Mann presenting a comprehensive report card of his administration's achievements.
Key Achievements and Welfare Initiatives
Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Mann highlighted that the final promise of providing a monthly stipend to women has now been met, completing the party's pledge list. He emphasized that the coming year will focus on consolidating and implementing the welfare schemes launched by his government.
"In four years, since we assumed office, we have fulfilled promises made to all fellow Punjabis and made every effort to bring back the lost glory of Punjab," Mann said, underscoring his commitment to the state's development.
Employment and Industrial Growth
The Chief Minister reported that his government has provided jobs to 65,264 individuals through transparent processes, without any "cash or favour" involvement. He contrasted this with what he described as hollow job promises from the BJP-led central government.
Mann also pointed to significant industrial progress, noting that investor confidence has been restored, leading to investments worth Rs 1.55 lakh crore in Punjab since 2022. This economic boost has been coupled with notable improvements in the health and education sectors.
Healthcare and Infrastructure Developments
In healthcare, the government has opened 881 Aam Aadmi clinics, with 200 more slated for addition. District hospitals have been upgraded, and new medical colleges are being established. Mann mentioned a setback involving the SGPC, which claimed ownership of land in Sangrur intended for a medical college, forcing relocation of the project. Despite this, he expressed optimism about future healthcare expansions.
Other flagship initiatives include the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana and the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme, aimed at enhancing public welfare and accessibility.
Energy and Agricultural Reforms
Mann recalled that when AAP promised free power to domestic consumers, opponents were skeptical. However, the government delivered free electricity to 90% of domestic users in its first year. Operationalizing the Pachchwara coal mine reduced coal prices for thermal units, and the acquisition of the GVK thermal plant in Goindwal Sahib further strengthened the energy sector.
On agriculture, Mann addressed water conservation efforts, stating that canal water usage for irrigation has increased from 21-22% in 2022 to 70% currently. The government spent Rs 5,700 crore to re-dig 18,349 irrigation channels, helping to stem the rapidly falling water table.
Challenges and Future Focus
Mann reaffirmed his government's commitment to combating the drug menace and gangster activities, describing these as inheritances from previous regimes. "We are trying our best to eradicate these scourges," he asserted.
However, he noted that the state's much-awaited agriculture policy is stalled due to the "constantly changing" stance of the central government. The draft policy, shared with stakeholders in September 2024, aims to address groundwater depletion and falling profitability by promoting crops like cotton, maize, and vegetables over water-intensive paddy. Mann cited issues such as the lack of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and disputes over appointments in the Food Corporation of India as obstacles.
As the AAP government moves into its fifth year, Mann expressed immense satisfaction with the progress made and vowed to continue efforts toward Punjab's resurgence and prosperity.
