Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, Ferozepur, on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas. He also honoured the families of the martyrs and laid the foundation stone of the ₹24.99 crore Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, underlining his government’s commitment to preserving their legacy and building a vibrant Punjab inspired by their ideals.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, the Chief Minister said it is not only about remembering the sacrifice of these revolutionaries but also about carrying forward their fearless spirit and commitment to justice. He reaffirmed his resolve to serve the state and the nation in line with their vision and questioned why such iconic freedom fighters have still not been awarded the Bharat Ratna. He remarked that India’s path might have been very different if such courageous and youth driven leadership had shaped its early years.

Addressing the gathering, Mann criticised the tendency of some leaders to glorify themselves while neglecting the contributions of true martyrs. He said many have named stadiums and institutions after themselves during their lifetime but have done little to honour Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who sacrificed their lives at a young age for the country’s freedom.

He further stated that after independence, those who did not actively participate in the freedom struggle occupied positions of power and claimed credit. According to him, the legacy of these revolutionaries has often been reduced to symbolic gestures, even though their ideas once inspired large sections of society. He added that their early execution was aimed at silencing their growing influence among the masses.

Speaking about the cost of independence, Mann said the country paid a heavy price during Partition, with massive loss of life and displacement. He remarked that while earlier generations endured immense suffering, those in power today often fail to fully appreciate those sacrifices.

He also criticised remarks suggesting that India attained real independence only in recent years, calling such claims an insult to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He expressed concern over attempts to downplay Bhagat Singh’s role, saying it is wrong to reduce a martyr of his stature to anything less than what he truly represents.

Urging people to draw inspiration from the martyrs, the Chief Minister said their stories continue to motivate generations and should be remembered beyond anniversaries. He emphasised that Bhagat Singh belongs to the entire nation and that following his ideals can pave the way for Punjab’s prosperity.

He pointed out that political priorities have often been misplaced, with leaders focusing on self promotion rather than honouring national heroes. He recalled the efforts made to name Mohali airport after Bhagat Singh, stating that it required persistent follow up with the Centre before it was finally approved. He also announced that Halwara airport will be named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, whom Bhagat Singh considered his mentor.

Mann highlighted the importance of youth in leadership, suggesting that if young leaders like Bhagat Singh had taken charge in the early years after independence, the country’s progress might have been very different. He noted that young leadership is making an impact in other countries and said India could have benefited similarly.

Emphasising the need to go beyond symbolic remembrance, he said people should understand and follow the ideology of the martyrs rather than limiting their memory to specific days. He added that while history is often memorised for exams, its deeper meaning is frequently overlooked.

Recalling Bhagat Singh’s life, he said the revolutionary chose the path of struggle over personal life at a very young age. He expressed concern over superficial displays of admiration and urged people to adopt the values he stood for instead of merely celebrating his image.

Calling for collective action, the Chief Minister said real change can be achieved through the power of the vote and by electing the right leadership. He encouraged people to take a pledge to follow the path shown by the martyrs and work towards building a stronger Punjab.

He described Hussainiwala as a sacred place where the last rites of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were performed and said it continues to inspire generations. Mann said he felt honoured to visit the site and pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, who laid down his life at the age of 23. He reiterated that the government will make every effort to realise the vision of the great revolutionary.

He added that Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice inspired countless young people during the freedom struggle and continues to motivate youth today to serve the nation selflessly.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex. He said the project is aimed at preserving the legacy of the martyrs while also promoting tourism in the region. The planned complex will include a grand entrance, a dedicated corridor showcasing the lives of the martyrs, wall art, landscaped parks and memorial spaces. It will also feature thematic installations based on historical events, a 3D mapping show on the old bridge, a musical fountain, play areas for children, facilities for senior citizens, as well as solar power and clean drinking water infrastructure.

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday highlighted the strong response to the One-Time Settlement scheme for VAT arrears. He said 7,845 applications have been received so far, covering dues of nearly ₹298.39 crore, out of which ₹111.16 crore has already been recovered. Describing the initiative as a major step towards clearing long-pending tax liabilities while strengthening revenue, he cautioned that the scheme will end on March 31. After that, the government will move towards strict recovery, with close to 8,000 properties already identified for action.

Cheema noted that the scheme has already led to a recovery of ₹111.16 crore and appreciated the participation from districts such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Ropar. He said the response from these regions reflects increasing awareness among taxpayers about the financial benefits offered under the scheme.

Urging eligible taxpayers to come forward, he said the scheme is nearing its final deadline on March 31, 2026, and offers a last opportunity to settle pending VAT dues. He stressed that business owners should take advantage of this window to clear their liabilities and align with the state’s taxation system, as the relief and waivers provided under the scheme are available only for a limited time.

He further explained that the current approach of providing relief and concessions will give way to strict enforcement once the deadline passes. Any unresolved cases will then be dealt with under regular legal provisions without any special relaxation.

The Finance Minister added that after March 31, 2026, recovery proceedings will be carried out as per the law in cases where dues remain unpaid. As part of preparations, around 8,000 properties have already been identified for action wherever necessary.

Highlighting the intent behind the scheme, Cheema said the strong response reflects the trust of taxpayers in the transparent and business-friendly policies of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government. He added that the initiative is designed to provide relief, reduce litigation, and strengthen the state’s revenue system. The scheme also offers businesses a chance to clear old VAT liabilities with significant relief in interest and penalties, allowing them to move forward with a clean financial slate.

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuing its push to make healthcare more accessible and dignified, ensuring that even the most vulnerable citizens receive timely treatment without financial strain. A 98-year-old woman from Moga recently benefited from cashless cancer care under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Mukhtiar Kaur, among the oldest beneficiaries of the scheme, received specialised treatment that included chemotherapy-related care, all covered through the Sehat Card. At her age, where constant medical attention is essential, the availability of cashless treatment meant that decisions were based entirely on medical need rather than cost.

Her treatment included advanced medication and supportive therapy as part of a chemotherapy plan, which required careful monitoring and timely intervention. Once her Sehat Card was verified at the hospital, the treatment began immediately, ensuring there were no delays in care.

For families caring for elderly members, the expenses associated with frequent hospital visits and specialised procedures can be overwhelming. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is helping bridge this gap by providing access to quality healthcare without financial pressure, allowing families to focus fully on recovery and well-being.

Emphasising the importance of the scheme, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the initiative is ensuring that elderly patients across Punjab receive timely and essential medical care without financial hardship while maintaining their dignity. He added that access to treatment at such a stage of life is crucial, and the scheme enables families to provide care with confidence.

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna offers cashless health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family each year. Beneficiaries can access treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab.

So far, more than 9 lakh Sehat Cards have been issued. Patients are receiving treatment at over 900 empanelled hospitals, supported by more than 2,300 medical packages that cover a wide range of procedures. The Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enrol for Sehat Cards at designated centres to take advantage of cashless healthcare under the scheme.