Says states reduced to beggars, have to approach Central Govt even for petty needs
Amritsar, August 16
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has emphasised on the need to adopt federal structure in India on the lines of the USA and to ensure equal distribution of revenue resources between the Centre and the states for proper development of the latter.
Addressing a gathering after unfurling the Tricolour at the state-level Independence Day function here yesterday, Badal blamed the “prejudiced policies” of the Centre for various ills afflicting the society and said the states had to “approach the Union Government like a beggar even for their small requirements”. He said, “We have failed to build India of our freedom fighters’ dreams as even after 64 years of Independence we could not provide basic amenities to our people. As per a survey, 70 per cent of our population is surviving on a meagre Rs 20 a day.”
Badal said Punjabis had played a significant role in the freedom struggle of the country despite the fact that they constituted only 2.5 per cent of the country’s population. “The Punjabis have not only made sacrifices to uphold our freedom in various wars with the neighbouring countries but also contributed 60 per cent of the foodgrain to the Central pool to make our country self-sufficient in food production.” The CM also dwelt on the achievements of the SAD-BJP regime. He said they have opened seven new universities and 17 new degree colleges, besides recruiting 54,000 teachers. He said they also upgraded health centres and hospitals by equipping them with latest medical equipment.
Later, Badal gave away state awards to 37 personalities for their meritorious services in various spheres.
He also felicitated the freedom fighters and their families. After hoisting the national flag, Badal took the salute from the contingents of PAP, Punjab Police and Police Band, besides inspecting the parade. Braving rainfall, schoolchildren showcased their “gatka” skills and presented a colourful programme.
Principal Secretary Darbara Singh Guru, DGP PS Gill, MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, Amritsar Police Commissioner RP Mittal, Divisional Commissioner Anurag Verma, DC Rajat Aggarwal and Mayor Shwait Malik were also present.
Meanwhile, activists of Technical Services Union (TSU) led by their circle chief Baghel Singh were detained while they were proceeding to stage protest in support of their demands outside the state-level function venue. They were later let off by the police.
Fazilka: Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 India-Pakistan war at the memorial at border Asafwala village, 7 km from here, yesterday.
Sukhbir laid a wreath at the memorial where mass cremation of 82 jawans of the 4 Jat Regiment was done after the ceasefire of the 1971 war. The Deputy CM was here to unfurl the Tricolour at the first district-level Independence Day function in the newly formed Fazilka district. Badal also visited the War Museum raised inside the War Memorial Complex. “Displaying the photographs of martyrs is a real tribute to them as the coming generations will be acquainted with our rich culture and the legacy of sacrifice for the country’s safety,” said Badal. He directed Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg to prepare a comprehensive plan for carrying out pending developmental works and further beautification of the memorial complex. Army jawans sounded the last post by reversing their arms.
Tarn Taran: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Ranjit Singh Brahampura unfurled the national flag at a district-level function here. The Minister highlighted various developmental schemes of the state government and paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the country’s freedom struggle. Freedom fighters and other personalities of various fields were also honoured on the occasion. As many as 30 sewing machines and seven tricycles were given to the needy.
Malerkotla: The Independence Day function was held at Dr Jakir Hussain Sports Stadium where Malerkotla SDM Bhupinder Mohan Singh unfurled the national flag. A cultural programme was organised by the students of various schools. Students and prominent citizens were also honoured.
Dr Soi awarded
Chandigarh: Dr Kamaljit Soi was awarded at the state-level Independence day function in Amritsar for showing exemplary bravery and courage in saving the lives of 11 persons seriously injured in a road accident near Ludhiana last year. Dr Soi single-handedly extricated the injured from the damaged vehicles, put some in his own vehicle and the rest in an ambulance and rushed them to the CMC, Ludhiana. Dr Soi not only donated blood but also arranged for more than 50 units of blood for the victims. Dr Soi has done his doctorate in “Road Safety - Accident Prevention.” His concept of creation of “no-fatality zones” has been well accepted by international and Indian experts in the field of road safety.
