78th Independence Day; Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Hoists Tricolour in Patiala; shares his department success stories
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 15,2024
Punjab’s Finance, Planning, Taxes, and Excise Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, highlighted the state’s strengthened financial position during a district-level Independence Day celebration at the Raja Bhalindra Singh Sports Complex Polo Ground in Patiala. Speaking on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, Cheema credited the Punjab government’s efforts for ensuring that state resources are now being effectively utilized for public welfare.
Minister Cheema hoisted the national flag and honoured freedom fighter Mohakam Singh Chauhan, along with the descendants of other freedom fighters who contributed to the country’s independence. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Lok Sabha member Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, MLAs Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Ajitpal Singh Kohli, and Gurlal Ghanour, Mandi Board Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, Chief Minister’s Director of Media Baltej Pannu, ADGP Shive Kumar Verma, Divisional Commissioner Daljit Singh Mangat, Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray, and SSP Dr Nanak Singh.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the significant financial strides made by Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He expressed optimism about Punjab’s strong case presented before the 16th Finance Commission, anticipating positive outcomes for the state. The Minister noted that the state’s tax department saw a 14.13% increase in GST revenue for the fiscal year 2023-24 compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Excise Department recorded a 9.54% growth during the same period, achieving a historic milestone with the excise revenue target exceeding Rs.10,000 crore for the first time under the Excise Policy 2024-2025.
Cheema further elaborated on the success of the Punjab One-Time Settlement (Amendment) Scheme (OTS-3), which outperformed previous financial management schemes in the country. The scheme generated ₹147 crore in tax revenue. Additionally, under the “Bill Liyao, Inaam Pao” initiative, 2,601 winners who uploaded their purchase bills through the Mera Bill mobile app were awarded prizes totaling approximately ₹1.52 crore. The government also imposed fines of around ₹8 crore on those issuing incorrect bills.
Minister Cheema reiterated the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of soldiers, martyrs’ families, and ex-servicemen. He said that the ex-gratia amount for the heirs of martyred soldiers has been doubled from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, with the scheme now also covering Agniveers. The Minister assured that the government remains dedicated to the welfare of the police force, ex-servicemen, righteous soldiers, and freedom fighters or their heirs.
Cheema also highlighted the government’s efforts in fulfilling its promises, including the provision of over 44,000 government jobs to youth within the last 28 months. The recruitment drive continues, with 1,800 soldiers and 300 sub-inspectors being hired annually. In addition, to promote sports, the government is rewarding athletes who have excelled at the national and international levels with government jobs and other incentives.
The Finance Minister praised the significant advancements made in the health, education, and power sectors under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He mentioned the establishment of 842 Aam Aadmi Clinics, the launch of initiatives like CM Yogashala, the School of Happiness, and the School of Eminence Scheme. He also highlighted the strategic acquisition of the Goindwal Power Plant from the private company GVK for ₹1,080 crore, signaling a revolution in Punjab’s health, education, and power sectors.
Minister Cheema emphasized the success of the anti-corruption action line, aimed at eradicating corruption across the state. He reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of Punjab’s economy, with the government making special efforts in agriculture and horticulture reforms to benefit farmers and encourage crop diversification. Notably, there was a 26% reduction in crop residue burning incidents in 2023 compared to 2022.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the government’s focus on developing infrastructure to support agriculture and industry in Punjab. He announced the establishment of a new government retail fish market in Patiala, which will soon become operational to facilitate fish marketing. Additionally, he highlighted the restoration of 15,914 canals across Punjab, ensuring that canal water reaches fields at the canal tails for the first time in decades, significantly improving irrigation facilities.
Minister Cheema discussed the government’s initiatives to resolve industrialists’ challenges through direct engagements and the introduction of green stamp papers for land registration, facilitating the establishment of new industries. He further noted the government’s commitment to public welfare, including providing a monthly pension of ₹1,500 to the elderly, widows, disabled individuals, and destitute children.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the continuation of the free travel facility for women in government buses, with over 32.46 lakh women benefiting from this service between March 2022 and July 15, 2024. The government has spent more than ₹1,548 crore on this initiative, significantly contributing to the mobility and empowerment of women in Punjab.
Minister Cheema also highlighted the Punjab government’s dedication to improving road safety, citing the introduction of the ‘Sadak Surakhya Force,’ a pioneering initiative in the country. This specialized force, equipped with 144 state-of-the-art vehicles and staffed by 5,000 personnel, has led to a 45% reduction in road accident fatalities compared to the previous year. This force represents a significant step forward in making Punjab’s roads safer for all.
Furthermore, the government has introduced the ‘Ferishtey Scheme,’ aimed at providing immediate assistance to road accident victims, further bolstering road safety efforts in the state.
In addition to these measures, Minister Cheema discussed the government’s aggressive campaign to eliminate illegal encroachments on panchayat lands. This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting public property and ensuring that community resources are used for the welfare of all citizens. The Finance Minister emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to uphold law and order, support development, and ensure the equitable distribution of land and resources across Punjab.
Minister Cheema reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and continuing its efforts to improve the state’s financial health, infrastructure, social welfare, and governance. He called upon the people of Punjab to remain united in their efforts to achieve a vibrant, laughing, and happy Punjab, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
During the ceremony, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema took time to honor the contributions of freedom fighters and their families. He met with the Sanghrashi Yodhe and the families of martyrs, recognizing their sacrifices with heartfelt tributes. He also distributed tricycles and sewing machines to those in need, courtesy of the Red Cross, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities.
Minister Cheema further honored the parade commanders, platoon commanders, students who performed cultural items, and special children who performed the national anthem in sign language. He commended their dedication and effort, and acknowledged the commendable work done by various personalities, officials, and employees involved in the celebrations.
The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema by Divisional Commissioner Daljit Singh Mangat and ADGP Shive Kumar Verma, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state.
