Opening of new gyms will further strengthen the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign and promote sports culture among the youth.

Chandigarh: Reiterating its commitment to make Punjab a drug-free, healthy and sports-cultured state, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today achieved another important achievement by dedicating 500 modern rural gyms across the state to the public.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the aim of this initiative is to promote sports culture by keeping the youth away from drug addiction under the already ongoing ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. Backed by a record sports budget of Rs 1,791 crore, the state government is setting up 3,000 modern rural gyms and developing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab. Along with this, a campaign for comprehensive renovation of village ponds is also being run to ensure sustainable water use in agriculture.

CM Mann announced   

Addressing the gathering after dedicating the rural gym to the public, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic day for the youth and sports fraternity of Punjab. These rural gyms and sports grounds will play an important role in strengthening our ‘war against drugs’ campaign. We have inaugurated 500 rural gyms from village Chand Baja of Faridkot and I congratulate the youth of Punjab for this historic initiative. Our only dream is to build a drug-free, healthy and prosperous Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in the history of Punjab, a record budget of Rs 1,791 crore has been kept only for sports. Providing sports grounds and modern gym facilities to the youth is one of our top priorities. A target has been set to set up 3,000 modern rural gyms across the state at a cost of about Rs 200 crore.”

He said, “These are not just gyms, but the foundation of a healthy and bright future of the youth of Punjab. Along with this, 3,100 playgrounds are being developed in all the districts of the state, out of which 250 playgrounds have already been dedicated to the public.”

Referring to another important initiative, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab government has launched a massive campaign for the revival of village ponds across the state. A detailed plan has been prepared for cleaning these ponds and the purified water will be used in agricultural purposes. This will reduce the dependence on groundwater and promote sustainable water management.”

Referring to the ‘Maawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’, the Chief Minister said, “From July 1, eligible women aged 18 years and above will start receiving information regarding assistance amount on their mobile phones and the amount will be deposited directly into their bank accounts. Rs 1,500 per month will be given to Scheduled Caste (SC) women and Rs 1,000 per month to women of all other categories. Women who are already receiving social security pension will also be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme. Will be.”

“This historic initiative is expected to benefit about 97 per cent of the women of Punjab. The state government has already made a budgetary provision of Rs 9,300 crore for its effective implementation,” he said. Many dignitaries including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan were present on the occasion.