BACK IN MESOZOIC (DINOSAUR) ERA: QUIPS CM
Dhuri, December 21:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that while state government is making strenuous efforts to prepare Punjabi youth for futuristic needs by making them Doctor and Engineers, Akali Dal is bent upon dragging them back to Mesozoic (Dinosaur) Era in the state.
Interacting with the media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that the AAP government is trying to make Punjab’s youth doctors and engineers, so that they can excel in lives. However, he said that the Akali Dal, who had ruined the youth by introducing drugs in the state, wants to take the state back to the dinosaur era. In a humorous tone, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the’ “dinosaur” of Akalis is actually just a plastic toy filled with air which will be deflated soon by the people.
The Chief Minister said that the participation of 23.3 lakh parents in recent mega teacher-parent meetings in government schools is a very good sign, reflecting a bright future for Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this was a paradigm shift as such PTMs were a regular practice earlier in private schools but were missing in government schools. He said that this is one of the best practices of education being adopted here for the well being of the students.
On being asked about the Nagar Kirtan protest issue in New Zealand, the Chief Minister said that the Government of India should take up this matter with the New Zealand government. He added that New Zealand is an educated country and that the issue of migration has become a global concern. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of state government to safeguard interest of Punjab and Punjabis.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a meeting with panchayats in Dhuri Assembly constituency and reviewed the progress of development projects. Addressing the elected representatives, he said that they should understand the issues of villages and the people, and make every effort to resolve them. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be utilized to the fullest so that the needy get employment and development works are completed efficiently.
The Chief Minister urged the Sarpanchs that development works must be carried out on a priority basis and there should be no complaints. He exhorted sarpanches, panchayats, and the newly elected members of the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad to rise above party lines and focus on development. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab government’s main objective is to provide every village with facilities at par with the cities.
The Chief Minister said that completion of community centers should be prioritized so that common people can get maximum benefit. He stressed that there must be full coordination among officials for development work and assured that there would be no shortage of funds for panchayats. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that every village would be connected through a mini-bus service, and bus permits would be issued to youths.
Earlier, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected members of Zila Parishads and Block Committees and urged them to work for solving people’s problems. He informed that their oath-taking ceremony will be held in the first week of January, followed by training sessions at MGSIPA (Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration) about their duties and responsibilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed satisfaction that development works are progressing rapidly which is a positive sign as for the first time, development works are actively underway in every village.
