Ferozepur : Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, visited Ferozepur to review progress under the Aspirational District Program initiated by NITI Aayog. Upon arriving at the land of martyrs, he paid homage at the Hussainiwala Martyrs’ Memorial, honouring Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and B.K. Dutt.
During a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and officials from various departments, Sahu assessed completed and ongoing developmental projects. He emphasized that government schemes should benefit every eligible citizen, urging officials to work diligently and honestly to ensure ground-level implementation. He also stressed creating awareness among the public about welfare initiatives.
Sahu highlighted the importance of transcending numerical targets, urging departments to collaborate to elevate Ferozepur from an aspirational to an inspirational district. He underscored priorities such as improving the gender ratio, addressing child malnutrition, promoting agricultural diversification, and eliminating tuberculosis and malnutrition. He praised efforts like installing solar power systems in schools, setting up smart classrooms, and establishing agriculture labs and sewage treatment plants.
The minister lauded the establishment of the chilli development centre, which will enhance farmers’ incomes by connecting chilli production with market access, promoting crop diversification. He expressed confidence in Punjab’s potential to lead the nation in innovation and progress.
DC Deepshikha Sharma welcomed the minister and briefed him on various initiatives funded under the Aspirational District Program, including 200 Anganwadi centres, ambulances, sewer-cleaning machines, and improvements in healthcare and education infrastructure. She assured that all rewards and funds received under the program would be utilized for comprehensive development.
Following the meeting, Sahu visited Gurudwara Sri Guru Ram Das Puri in Armanpura and prayed for universal welfare. He also inspected an under-construction Primary Health Center (PHC) in the village, instructing officials to expedite its completion to provide modern healthcare facilities to nearby residents.
The visit was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Dr Nidhi Kumud Bambha and Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa, SP Naveen Kumar, Civil Surgeon Rajwinder Kaur, and other officials.