Faridkot: The Punjab Rural Gyms initiative received a major boost as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated 500 modern village gyms across the state. He launched the project from Chand Baja village in Faridkot. The Punjab Government aims to encourage fitness, promote sports and keep young people away from drug abuse.
The Chief Minister said the initiative will strengthen the state’s ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. According to him, the government wants to build a healthy, drug-free and vibrant Punjab through better sports facilities.
500 Punjab Rural Gyms Open Across the State
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated 500 modern village gyms from Chand Baja village in Faridkot.
The government launched the Punjab Rural Gyms project to encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Moreover, the initiative aims to reduce drug addiction by promoting sports and physical fitness.
According to the Chief Minister, these gyms will serve as centres for exercise and youth development.
Punjab Plans 3,000 Modern Village Gyms
The Chief Minister announced that Punjab has set aside a record sports budget of ₹1,791 crore.
Out of this amount, the government will spend nearly ₹200 crore to establish 3,000 Punjab Rural Gyms across the state.
In addition, the government is developing 3,100 sports grounds in every district. So far, officials have opened 250 of these grounds for public use.
The government believes improved sports infrastructure will encourage more young people to participate in athletics.
Government Links Sports with Anti-Drug Campaign
The Chief Minister said sports can play a vital role in keeping youth away from drugs.
Therefore, the government has linked the Punjab Rural Gyms initiative with its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. The state believes regular physical activity can improve health and reduce substance abuse among young people.
As a result, the project focuses on creating healthier communities across Punjab.
Village Pond Restoration to Support Agriculture
Besides sports development, the government is also restoring village ponds across Punjab.
After cleaning the ponds, officials will use the treated water for irrigation. Consequently, farmers will depend less on groundwater.
The government expects this initiative to improve sustainable water management in rural areas.
CM Shares Update on Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana
Chief Minister Mann also shared details about the Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana.
He said eligible women aged 18 years and above will start receiving notifications on their mobile phones from July 1.
Under the scheme, eligible Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month. Women from other eligible categories will receive ₹1,000 per month. Women already receiving social security pensions can also benefit from the scheme.
The Chief Minister claimed that nearly 97 percent of Punjab’s women would benefit. The government has allocated ₹9,300 crore for the programme.
Conclusion
The Punjab Rural Gyms initiative marks a significant step towards improving public health and promoting sports in the state. The launch of 500 gyms reflects the Punjab Government’s focus on fitness, youth welfare and drug prevention.
Furthermore, investments in sports infrastructure, village development and women’s welfare highlight the government’s broader development agenda. If implemented effectively, these initiatives could strengthen both rural communities and Punjab’s sporting culture.
Key Points of the news:
- CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurated 500 Punjab Rural Gyms from Faridkot.
- The government plans to establish 3,000 modern village gyms across Punjab.
- Punjab has allocated a record ₹1,791 crore sports budget.
- The state is developing 3,100 sports grounds to promote fitness.
- The government also announced updates on the Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana.
