Jalandhar: Punjab’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, Printing, and Stationery, Aman Arora, unfurled the National Flag at the district-level Republic Day celebrations held at Sri Guru Gobind Singh Stadium on Sunday. Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma, the Minister urged Punjabis to join hands with the government to transform Punjab into a progressive and leading state, embodying the vision of "Rangla Punjab."
In his address, Mr. Arora emphasized the state government’s commitment to holistic development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He highlighted several landmark initiatives, including the renaming of SAS Nagar Airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the display of portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in government offices. He mentioned that the Mann Government has started it's working after taking oath at native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh in Khatkarkalan.
Recognizing the sacrifices of the armed forces, Mr. Arora noted that the ex-gratia amount for martyred army personnel had been doubled to ₹1 crore, and similar financial aid was extended to the families of police personnel who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
Mr. Arora also underlined efforts to tackle unemployment, stating that the government had provided 50,000 government jobs and facilitated placements for over 2.70 lakh youth in the private sector through placement drives.
The Minister highlighted major strides in healthcare and education. He announced the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics offering free medical care, benefiting over 19 lakh patients, including 66 clinics in Jalandhar. Additionally, 118 Schools of Eminence were set up to provide world-class education, along with free transport facilities benefiting over 10,000 students.
In the power sector, Arora highlighted the acquisition of a private thermal plant for ₹1,080 crore and the revival of the Pachwara coal mine, yielding ₹1,000 crore in savings. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to free electricity for farmers, amounting to ₹9,330 crore annually.
The Minister lauded the government's irrigation initiatives, including a ₹275-crore project in Jalandhar, and road safety measures such as the Sadak Surakhya Force, which has reduced response times and saved thousands of lives in road accidents.
Arora concluded by celebrating the success of "Khedan Watan Punjab Dian," which saw participation from over five lakh individuals, aiming to revive sports culture in the state. Earlier, he took the salute at the parade led by IPS officer Siri Vinnela. He also honored ten families of martyrs from various conflicts including India-China war, India-Pakistan War and encounter in J&K.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included MLA Raman Arora, Mayor Vineet Dhir, Divisional Commissioner Arum Sekhri, DIG Naveen Singla, District and Session Judge Nirbhow Singh Gill, Senior AAP Leader Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Pawan Tinu, Senior officials of Civil and Police Administration.