During the 77th Republic Day district-level celebrations held at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) sports ground on Monday, Punjab's Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO delivered a powerful address that positioned Ludhiana as the fundamental pillar of the state's economic framework. The minister, who unfurled the national flag and inspected a distinguished march-past alongside Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, emphasized the city's unparalleled contributions to both industrial and agricultural sectors.
Ludhiana: The Industrial Powerhouse of North India
In his speech to the assembled gathering, Minister ETO highlighted Ludhiana's global reputation as a premier industrial hub. "Ludhiana remains globally recognised as a premier industrial hub," the minister stated, providing concrete data to support his claim. He revealed that Punjab achieved the top position in North India for MSME registrations during the financial year 2022-23, with an impressive tally exceeding 2.98 lakh registrations. The minister attributed the lion's share of this remarkable success directly to Ludhiana's vibrant industrial ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Milestones
The minister announced significant progress on key infrastructure projects that promise to enhance regional development. He confirmed that the long-awaited Halwara airport project has reached completion, with commercial flight operations scheduled to commence by March. This development is expected to substantially boost regional connectivity, facilitating smoother industrial trade and economic exchanges.
Enhanced Welfare Measures and Educational Reforms
Several important policy announcements were made during the ceremony, reflecting the government's commitment to social welfare and educational advancement:
- The ex-gratia payment for families of Agniveers and police personnel killed in the line of duty has been doubled from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, providing enhanced financial security to bereaved families.
- Entrepreneurship will be introduced as a subject in the Class-XI curriculum across the state, aiming to foster business acumen among young students.
- The establishment of 'Schools of Eminence' has been initiated to better prepare students for competitive national examinations, ensuring they receive quality education.
Cultural Celebrations and Recognition Ceremonies
The Republic Day ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural performances that showcased India's rich diversity. Students from 25 local schools participated in these performances, adding color and cultural significance to the patriotic event.
In keeping with tradition, the minister honored 134 individuals for their outstanding contributions across various sectors, recognizing their service to society. Additionally, assistive devices including tricycles and sewing machines were distributed to those in need, demonstrating the government's commitment to social welfare.
The event concluded with a special tribute to families of freedom fighters, reaffirming the state's dedication to honoring its historical legacy and those who contributed to India's independence struggle.
