Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, on Tuesday initiated a cleanliness and plantation drive in Bathinda as part of the Centre’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, urging for intensified efforts to combat environmental challenges.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that this was the Minister’s inaugural visit to Bathinda, and he stated that the tree plantation initiative would continue until June 21. Emphasizing the critical importance of environmental conservation, Paswan highlighted the escalating concerns surrounding rising temperatures, recurrent heatwaves, and shifting weather patterns.
“Rainfall is becoming irregular and winters are no longer arriving on time. Farmers are also facing difficulties due to climate change. We have to work extensively on environmental issues,” the Minister remarked, underscoring the direct impact on the agricultural sector.
Addressing the availability of advanced medical care in the region, Minister Paswan referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda. He noted that residents previously needed to travel to Delhi or Ludhiana for specialized medical treatments, but now, quality healthcare services are accessible within Bathinda itself. He indicated plans to visit the institute during his tour of the city.
In a political address, Paswan directed criticism towards the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging a decline in the state’s law and order situation and the pervasive impact of drug abuse among the youth. “Punjab is increasingly falling into the grip of drugs. We need to work for the welfare of the youth,” he stated, subsequently appealing to the public to reject the current administration in upcoming elections.
The Minister also targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, asserting that Punjab requires a government characterized by responsibility. He accused the Chief Minister of prioritizing rhetoric over effective governance.
Commenting on the AAP government’s various welfare schemes, Paswan conveyed the BJP’s ideological commitment to a politics centered on development rather than subsidies. “A state can not build a strong economic structure merely through freebies and such measures will not make a state stronger in the long run,” Paswan stated. He advocated for a focus on sustainable growth, emphasizing that governments must engage actively at the grassroots level and implement development-oriented initiatives that yield enduring benefits for the populace.
Paswan also mentioned that the BJP is actively working to expand its presence and support base within Punjab. He reiterated the party’s dedication to fostering development, facilitating de-addiction efforts, and ensuring public welfare.
On the subject of escalating fuel and LPG prices, Minister Paswan attributed the increases to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and confirmed that the central government is actively engaged in finding solutions to address these price hikes.
The Chenab Times News Desk