Amarinder warns anti-national forces against attempt to destroy peace

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 15

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday warned anti-national forces against any attempt to destroy the peace and harmony of the country, while calling upon the people to join hands in fighting such forces.

Addressing a gathering at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium here after unfurling the Tricolour during a state-level function on the 73rd Independence Day, the Chief Minister said there were anti-national forces that were envious of the peaceful atmosphere and development in the state.

“Let us rededicate ourselves to working collectively to build a strong and prosperous Punjab, and to cement the bonds of love, peace and amity,” he said.

Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said it was now our collective duty to preserve the hard-earned freedom.

Recalling his visit to the Jung-e-Azadi Memorial to inaugurate its third phase on Wednesday, Amarinder said the memorial would be instrumental in spreading awareness among the youth about various facets of the Indian freedom struggle.

The Chief Minister said 2019 is a historic year in view of the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak, 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the Jallianwala Bagh centenary being commemorated with enthusiasm.

Referring to the crusade against drug abuse, Amarinder pointed out that 27,744 cases had been registered under the NDPS Act with the arrest of 33,622 people and recovery of 767 kg heroin and huge quantity of other contraband substances.

On the farmer-friendly initiatives, the CM said the state government is contemplating to disburse Rs 520 crore to 2.85 lakh farm labourers and landless farmers who are members of the primary agriculture cooperative societies.

He said the the farmers’ income through sale of foodgrains had increased by over 32% since his government took over.

The CM said that for the first time in years, government schools had outperformed private schools, registering an increase of 8.7 per cent in the overall pass percentage of Class X and 4.45 per cent in the Class XII board results.

Amarinder said about two lakh jobs in private sector would be offered to the unemployed youth; besides 1 lakh applicants were likely to be assisted for self-employment.

The CM said the youth would be provided free smart mobile phones shortly, under the Digital Punjab initiative in keeping with the poll promise.

Amarinder appealed to people to plant 550 saplings each in all 12,700 villages in the state as part of the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak. He said 40 lakh saplings had already been planted so far in 3,500 villages to make the state clean, green and pollution-free.

On the revival of industry, the CM said the new industrial policy had given a big boost with over Rs 50,000 crore in investments being firmed up.