The Punjab government has announced a special package for undertaking the overall development in Zirakpur on ‘modern lines’. Under this package, a sum of Rs 8 crore has been released, said Punjab Cooperation Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh.

Captain Kanwaljit inagurated the work on two major roads at the cost of Rs 3 crore in Zirakpur on Saturday.

While the 7.7-km link road — connecting Bhabat village with Alipur, Nadiali and Dyalpura villages —- will be widened, a new road will be laid to connect Zirakpur with Baltana, Dhakoli and Ghaggar, the cost of which is yet to be estimated.

The Minister said under the special package, the basic civic infrastructure of Zirakpur will be improved, modernised and strengthened, besides creating more facilities for the residents.

A senior member in the Punjab Cabinet said that Rs 400 crore will be released for the villages, while the towns will get Rs 2-3 crore grant for various development projects till December 31.

He also announced the early release of pensions to the already subscribed beneficiaries and enrolling the left outs soon.

“In view of the hassles being faced by the pension holders in getting pensions from the banks, the state government will from now on release the pensions through respective village panchayats,” he said.

He also assured that the families living below the poverty line, who were left out in the previous surveys, will be covered for issuance of blue cards.