Addressing the concerns, pending demands and long-standing development issues of Phagwara Corporation City, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had made a series of significant announcements during the Shukrana Yatra held at Gandhi Chowk in Phagwara.
The Chief Minister announced that the long-closed JCT Mills would soon resume operations, bringing renewed industrial activity and employment opportunities to the Doaba region.
He stated that before the mill becomes operational, all pending salaries and labour dues of workers would be cleared in full. He further assured that pending payments of sugarcane farmers linked with Golden Sandhar Sugar Mill would also be settled on priority and arrears would be provided by collecting money after auction of the partners of the sugar mill.
Describing the revival of JCT Mills as a major step towards restoring Phagwara’s industrial identity, the Chief Minister said the reopening would boost the local economy and generate employment for youth.
He also announced that the historic JCT football team would also be revived, recalling its contribution to Indian football.
During his address, the Chief Minister highlighted several welfare and public service initiatives being implemented by the Punjab Government.
Referring to healthcare reforms, he stated that under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards are being issued to families across Punjab, enabling free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. He added that large numbers of beneficiaries have already availed treatment under the scheme.
The Chief Minister also spoke about uninterrupted electricity supply being provided to farmers during the paddy season, closure of toll plazas for public relief, strengthening of road infrastructure, and employment opportunities being provided to youth in a transparent manner.
Highlighting women welfare initiatives, he informed that financial assistance schemes for women are being expanded under the Maavan Dhiyan Satikar Yojna, with direct benefit transfer facilities to eligible beneficiaries.
As part of the Shukrana Yatra, cultural enthusiasm was also witnessed during the programme, where traditional Punjabi folk performances including “Kikli” added vibrancy to the public gathering and reflected the cultural spirit of Punjab.
The event witnessed active participation of several senior leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Among those present were Lok Sabha MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Phagwara Halka Incharge Harnoor Singh Mann, senior leader Sarabjit Singh Lubhana, Daljit Raju, Mayor Rampal Uppal and Deputy Mayor Vicky Sood, who accompanied the Chief Minister during the yatra and public function.
Elaborate security and administrative arrangements were made across the city for the Chief Minister’s visit. Senior officers deputed in Phagwara included ADGP Law and Order SPS Parmar, DIG Naveen Singla, Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal, Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora and SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma, who remained present to supervise security and law and order arrangements throughout the programme.
A large gathering of residents attended the Shukrana Yatra despite the intense heat, while extensive traffic management and security deployment were carried out across key areas of the city to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
