Patiala, April 29:
Describing the financial indebtedness of educational institutions as a social scourge, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday unequivocally said that educational institutions will not face any dearth of funds so that none of our child of the state is deprived of the opportunity to get quality education.
Addressing the teachers and students of the university on the occasion of the 62nd foundation day of Punjabi University at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall here today, the Chief Minister said that it is the primary duty of the government to provide educational opportunities and it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for him that his government is doing this work efficiently. Bhagwant Mann said that The state government is constantly striving to raise the standard of education by providing maximum support to educational institutions.
While congratulating all on the foundation day of this university, which was making an important contribution in promoting Punjab and Punjabi, the Chief Minister said, “This university is the pride of Punjab and Punjabi mother tongue”. He said that this premier education institute is also called as the ‘Heart of Malwa’. I had guaranteed to free this university from debt burden to restore the pride and pristine glory of this reputed university imparting higher education in North India and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause, he added.
The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the Foundation Day he was delighted to share that in this year’s budget, the state government has earmarked a grant of Rs. 30 crore to the university every month. I sincerely hope that this university will achieve great success in the field of higher education after came out from financial constraints, he added.
Calling higher education as an important stage in the life of the youth, Bhagwant Mann said that Punjabi University was playing a vanguard role for the youth of the state, especially in the rural folks, which guided these youth to realise their dreams. This university is encouraging the youth for other constructive activities besides imparting training, he added.
Recalling the memories associated with Punjabi University, the Chief Minister said, “This university inspired me to follow new ways and new ideas in my life. My creativity had taken wings in this university and the stage of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall realised my dreams.”
Inviting the youth to become their own role models, the Chief Minister said that only people who take new steps in the society emerge as examples for others. He said that nowadays we can move forward with new ideas by evading conservative traditions because we need to keep up with the modern times.
Terming the ‘School of Eminence’ as institutions that shape the future of the youth, the Chief Minister said that now the youth will equipped with clear acumen about their goals and achieve these into reality after getting education from these top quality schools and Universities. On this occasion, the Chief Minister specifically mentioned great achievement of the students who secured first three positions in eighth class results of the Punjab School Education Board.
Reiterating his commitment to promote the Punjabi language, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making great efforts for the promotion and dissemination of the mother tongue. Bhagwant Mann said that a special campaign is being conducted to give the highest priority to Punjabi on the signboards of shops in the state so that there is no lack of respect of the Punjabi language.
Meanwhile the Chief Minister while announcing the upgrading of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall, exhorted that this hall will be equipped with modern facilities so that international level events can also be held here.
On this occasion, Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind especially extended words of gratitude towards the Chief Minister for the steps taken to clear the university from debt burden. The Vice-Chancellor said that the foundations of this higher institution were starting to weaken due to debt, but due to generous funding by the Chief Minister, these foundations have started to become stronger. He assured the Chief Minister that the government has fulfilled its duty and now the university will attain a great position in the field of higher education.
Among other dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Information and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra and others.
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