Jalandhar, April 14:
Giving a clarion call to the people, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday exhorted them to uphold the spirit of Indian constitution drafted by Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar.
Addressing the gathering here during state level function to mark the 131st birth anniversary of Baba Sahib here at Dr. B R Ambedkar Government College , Bhagwant Mann said that nefarious attempts are being constantly made to undermine the basic character of the constitution drafted by the great jurist and statesman Dr Ambedkar. He said that unfortunately these attempts are not made by foreigners or Britishers but by some of our own people. He said that these attempts need to nip in the bud for which people have to join their hands.
The Chief Minister further said that Baba Sahib had empowered the people through constitution by giving them right to vote. He said that only due to this power political giants like Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Manpreet Singh Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia and several others have been decimated by people from the state’s political cavass.
Pointing out further, Bhagwant Mann said that democracy is pillar of our constitution and therefore any move to temper with it values would not be tolerated at any cost.
Drawing a parallel with Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that though our neighbouring country had attained freedom a day before our country but democracy has never survived there due to lack of constitutional democracy. He said due to visionary approach of Baba Sahib the constitution and constitutional values have flourished in India on the contrary nothing such exists in Pakistan. Bhagwant Mann said that a glaring example of dysfunctional democracy is that any ex- Prime Minister of Pakistan has been either killed or exiled.
The Chief Minister called upon the people to contribute immensely towards making an ideal society by following the principles of equality and liberty as enshrined in the Constitution propounded by Baba Sahib.
Describing Dr. Ambedkar as a great scholar, jurist, economist, social reformer and a statesman, he said that Dr Ambedkar was one of the most towering personalities in world history. Bhagwant Mann said that though Dr. Ambedkar hailed from a humble family but his exceptional contribution towards the society has enabled him to be amongst the league of global leaders.
The Chief Minister further said that the Indian Constitution was the result of Dr. Ambedkar’s unparalleled hard work, dedication and far sightedness. He said that Baba Saheb was not only the leader of weaker sections but he belonged to the entire nation. Bhagwant Mann further said that the unmatched determination, progressive outlook and struggle of Dr Ambedkar to bring the underprivileged and poor sections of the society into the mainstream, will ever remain an inspiration for them.
Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister categorically said that the perpetrators of the post matric scholarship scheme will be soon behind the bars. He said that this is a heinous and unpardonable crime adding that culprits will not be spared at any cost. Bhagwant Mann further said that the key accused will be soon seen filing applications in court for better facilities in jails.
The Chief Minister further said that on his orders senior officers of the state government had gone for training in New Delhi, a few days ago. Slamming opposition for making undue hue and cry over the issue, Bhagwant Mann said that wherever needed he will send his officers for sharpening their administrative skills and expertise. He said that Delhi government’s reform in education, health and power sector are unmatched adding that there is no harm in getting training from them.
The Chief Minister unequivocally said that every guarantee promised with the people will be fulfilled. He said that less than a month has passed since the formation of the new government in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that every promise made with people will be delivered at every cost.
The Chief Minister ruled out any possibility of the state government purchasing any new vehicles for the Ministers. He said that the opposition was baselessly spreading such canards in dearth of any issue against the Punjab Government. Bhagwant Mann said that there was no such move by the state government.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will ensure judicious use of funds under the centrally sponsored schemes for the well being of people. He said that the Rural Development Fund will be issued by the union government as soon as the Cabinet has approved the Punjab Rural Development Amendment (Ordinance) on Wednesday. Mr Bhagwant Mann said that the centre has withhold the funds under the scheme as the previous governments have diverted these funds for their vested political interests.
Earlier, MLA Mr Shital Angural welcomed the Chief Minister and raised demands for his assembly segment. The Chief Minister was also felicitated with a token of love by the MLAs and other leaders.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLAs Mr Shital Angural, Mr Balkar Singh, Mr Raman Arora and Mrs Inderjit Kaur Mann, AAP leaders Mrs Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Mr Dinesh Dhall, Mr Surinder Singh Sodhi, Mr Jeet Lal Bhatti, Mr Rattan Singh, Mr Mangal Singh, Mr Subash Sharma, Principal Prem Kumar and others.
On the occasion Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Ravi Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ghanshyam Thori, Commissioner of Police Mr Gurpreet Singh Toor and others were also present.
