In a significant address during the sixth session of the 16th state Vidhan Sabha, Governor Banwarilal Purohit conveyed the Punjab government’s assertion of enhanced law and order in the state. Notably, the Anti-Gangster Task Force, established in 2022, has apprehended 951 gangsters and neutralized 14 involved in heinous crimes, busting 312 modules and recovering 963 weapons and 208 vehicles.
Governor Purohit highlighted the success in combating drug smuggling, with 25,385 arrests and the recovery of 1,860 kg of heroin within the state, along with an additional 147 kg seized from seaports. Efforts in agriculture included promoting direct seeding of rice, engaging 19,097 farmers on 1,70,000 acres.
The government’s commitment to education was evident, with the recruitment of 9,518 teachers since April 2022, a 17% increase in pre-primary enrollment, and the implementation of a centralized admission portal benefiting 1.5 lakh students. The regularization of 12,316 qualified employees with over 10 years of service was also emphasized. Other achievements encompassed increased canal water utilization by 38%, the successful launch of ‘Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar’ for doorstep services benefiting over 15,000 citizens, and the receipt of 4,242 investment proposals worth Rs 65,993 crore, promising employment for approximately 3,20,882 individuals. Punjab’s dedication to rural development shone through as the fifth state achieving 100% coverage in providing functional household tap connections. Additionally, the state’s new sports policy in 2023 contributed to the highest-ever medal tally of 20 in the Asian Games, with players receiving a cash reward of Rs 29.25 crore.
The state government’s initiatives extended to social welfare, with the Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme offering free three-tier air-conditioned train and bus journeys to religious shrines for residents. Overall, Governor Purohit outlined a comprehensive overview of Punjab’s progress across various sectors during the Budget Session.