The North News
Chandigarh, January 12
Braving the winter cold, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday held a Lok Milni (public interaction meeting) in Jalandhar, directly engaging with residents from several assembly constituencies to hear their grievances.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Mann said such face-to-face interactions would remain a regular feature of his government, arguing that they were essential for transparent and responsive governance. He said direct engagement helped officials understand ground realities and resolve public complaints more effectively.
The chief minister said his government’s pro-people measures — including free electricity, large-scale recruitment, and reforms in healthcare and education — were easing pressure on ordinary families and helping Punjab move towards reclaiming its position as one of India’s leading states.
“We are working consistently to restore Punjab’s past glory,” Mr Mann said, adding that sustained efforts would soon place the state back among the country’s frontrunners.
Outlining his administration’s long-term vision, he said a comprehensive plan had been launched to build a “Rangla Punjab”, or a happy and prosperous state, for future generations. Drawing a contrast with previous governments, he said he preferred travelling across the state rather than governing “from palatial residences”.
Mr Mann described Lok Milnis as unique, saying no other state devoted so much time to addressing citizens’ problems at their doorsteps. He said the programme not only ensured faster redressal of grievances but also helped assess the performance of government officials.
Highlighting key initiatives, the chief minister said around 90% of households were receiving free electricity. He added that more than 63,000 young people had been given government jobs through what he described as a transparent, merit-based process. The closure of 17 toll plazas, he said, was saving commuters about ₹64 lakh a day.
On healthcare, Mr Mann said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics were now operational across Punjab, offering free treatment and medicines. He added that the proposed Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana would soon provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh.
In education, he said 118 Schools of Eminence were being set up, alongside measures such as free uniforms, free bus travel for girls, and special coaching for competitive exams including NEET, JEE and CLAT. He cited improved results in national-level entrance tests as evidence of progress.
State cabinet minister Mohinder Bhagat and other officials were present at the event.
