IEP Amritsar, March 18
Fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of the entire Majha region, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday dedicated the newly constructed Railway Over Bridge at Vallah to decongest the traffic thereby facilitating the pilgrims coming to the city. “This is a historic initiative that will help in decongesting the traffic in the historic city to benefit the residents, devotees and commuters” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering to dedicate the project. The Chief Minister said that this is a humble initiative by the state government to give fillip to the development of this holy city. He said that lakhs of devotees daily pay obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath and others on this sacred land. Bhagwant Mann said that this project will facilitate them in easily approaching the city and paying obeisance. The Chief Minister said that about Rs 33 crore has been spent on this ambitious project at Amritsar-Sahnewal section of the Railways. He said that this project has come up with collaboration of the centre and the state government adding that Amritsar Improvement Trust has spent Rs 18.83 crore on this ROB. Bhagwant Mann said that Rs 14.12 crore was share of the Railways out of which Rs 7.48 crore has been received whereas Rs 6.64 crore is still pending. The Chief Minister congratulated the people of state especially of the holy city for successfully organizing the Education session of G-20. He said that in these sessions representatives of powerful countries which constitute around 80% of the globe have participated. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that these deliberations will form the bedrock for bringing qualitative changes in the education sector in the member countries. The Chief Minister said that the state government has not left any stone unturned for ensuring comfortable stay for the visiting delegates. He said that with the proactive support and cooperation of the people of the city, the efforts of the state government had delivered desired results and the delegates had enjoyed the warm hospitality of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the delegates will take along with them the vivid memories of their visit to Punjab which will be part of their journey of life forever. The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state government is making strenuous efforts to develop Punjab as hub of Education. He said that in the coming time the wealth of an individual will not be measured by the number of bungalows, cars or properties he owns. However, Bhagwant Mann said that the royalty of an individual will be ascertained by the level of education which his/ her children had acquired. The Chief Minister said that for this purpose his government is making concerted efforts to strengthen the education sector in the state. He said that 117 Schools of Eminence have been set up in 23 districts of the state to provide quality education to children. Bhagwant Mann said that these schools will focus on grooming students for five professional and competitive courses including engineering, law, commerce, UPSC and NDA. The Chief Minister further said that in a major push to Medical education in Punjab, the state government has decided to construct 16 new Medical colleges in the coming five years. He said that this will enhance the total tally of medical colleges in the state to 25 thereby ensuring that every district of the state touches a medical college. Bhagwant Mann further said that work on two medical colleges has already started in the state. The Chief Minister asserted that he is the votary of the fact that the democracy with diverse ideas and views is always a successful one. In the same manner, Bhagwant Mann said that in democracy opposition and ruling party both are important adding that both of them should make concerted efforts for the development of the state. Citing the example of MPs from southern states, he said that despite varied political affiliations they are always together when any matter pertaining to the interests of their respective states and its people is there adding that the same zeal and spirit should be everywhere for holistic development and prosperity.
