Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday held a Lok Milni in Jalandhar, interacting directly with residents from various Assembly constituencies and listening to their grievances amid cold weather conditions.
The outreach programme focused on public feedback and administrative issues, with the Chief Minister describing such interactions as a key component of responsive governance.
Addressing attendees, Mann said that Lok Milnis would remain a regular feature of governance to help the administration understand ground-level concerns and improve service delivery. “The basic aim of these Lok Milnis is to resolve issues faced by the people by streamlining the entire process, thereby giving a fillip to the overall development of the state. Our government is fully committed to providing transparent, effective and responsive governance to every citizen,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state government is working towards improving Punjab’s economic and social indicators. “We are working consistently to restore the pristine glory of Punjab. The day is not far when, due to these sustained efforts, Punjab will once again emerge as a frontrunner state in the country,” Mann said.
Outlining the government’s longer-term vision, Mann said a comprehensive roadmap has been prepared to build a “Rangla Punjab” for future generations. Referring to his approach to governance, he added, “My predecessors remained confined to their palatial palaces, but I have been visiting every nook and corner of the state to usher in a new era of peace, progress and prosperity.”
He said Lok Milnis are aimed at ensuring direct interaction with citizens and formulating strategies for holistic development. “This programme has no parallel in the country. No other state government spares so much time to solve people’s problems at their doorsteps,” he said, adding that the initiative also helps assess the performance of government officials and ensures quicker resolution of public issues.
Calling the programme a pro-people initiative, Mann said Lok Milnis help citizens complete routine administrative work more efficiently while strengthening governance mechanisms. “This helps improve the functioning of offices and gives the administration a clear understanding of ground realities. Our motive is to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach people at their doorsteps,” he said.
Listing initiatives undertaken by his government, the Chief Minister said that around 90 percent of households are receiving free electricity. He also said, “More than 63,000 youth have been given government jobs in a completely transparent manner, without recommendation or corruption,” and added that the closure of 17 toll plazas has resulted in daily savings of approximately ₹64 lakh for commuters.
On healthcare, Mann said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established across the state, providing free treatment and medicines. He said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna would soon be launched, offering cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh. “In the education sector too, revolutionary measures have been taken which have attracted national appreciation,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that 118 Schools of Eminence are being set up to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. He added that students are being provided free uniforms, free bus services for girls, and specialised coaching for entry into the armed forces and competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT.
Highlighting academic outcomes, Mann said that 265 students from government schools, including Schools of Eminence, qualified for JEE Mains, 44 cleared JEE Advanced, and 848 students qualified for NEET. He also noted that teachers and principals have been sent to international institutions for training. “The Sadak Surakhya Force formed by our government has been praised across the country and even in Parliament,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and other dignitaries were present during the event.