Patiala- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government is working tirelessly for ameliorating the woes of weaker and underprivileged sections of society to realize the dreams of Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar- the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution.
Addressing a gathering during a state level function to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chief Minister described Baba Sahib as a great scholar, jurist, economist, social reformer and a statesman. He said that Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar was one of the most towering personalities in the entire world history. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though Dr. Ambedkar hailed from a humble family but his outstanding contribution has brought him in the league of global leaders.
The Chief Minister said that the Indian Constitution was the result of Dr. Ambedkar’s hard work, dedication and far sightedness. He further said that Baba Saheb was not only the leader of weaker sections but he was the leader of entire humanity. Exhorting the gathering to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will be the real tribute to this great son of soil adding that all of us should make dedicated efforts for carving out an egalitarian society for securing justice and equality for all the sections of society rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour and creed.
The Chief Minister further said that Dr. Ambedkar had always encouraged the democratic values in every field, be it social, economic and political, he advocated equal status and respect for all. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it is the moral duty of all of us to strive hard to realize this dream of Dr. Ambedkar. On this occasion, he appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar and shun the parochial considerations of religion, caste, colour and creed to create a harmonious and egalitarian society.
The Chief Minister emphasized that in consonance with the life and philosophy of Baba Sahib, the state government has prioritized education and has taken path breaking initiatives in Education sector to transform the lives of people. He said that no freebee or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this his government is tirelessly making efforts to improve the standard of education to empower the common man adding that with six SC Ministers in Cabinet, first time ever reservation on AG office and hassle free disbursement of SC scholarship AAP government is realising dreams of Baba Sahib.
The Chief Minister said that to realize the dreams of this great leader, the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that hitherto sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students adding that in similar manner the government health system is also being upgraded.
Training his guns against the fissiparous forces trying to destabilize peace, progress and prosperity of the state, the Chief Minister said that such forces are now trying to vandalize the statues of Dr BR Ambedkar in Punjab. He said that this will not be tolerated and anyone indulging in this heinous crime will not be spared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that exemplary punishment will be ensured to the perpetrators of this barbaric act.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister exhorted the girls to come forward and use their education to bring the necessary and much needed change in society. He said that these days girls have outnumbered boys in every field including those which were hitherto considered as fiefdom of the men. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that women’s empowerment is imperative to carve out an egalitarian society and in the larger interest of society and state.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that girls are excelling in all the fields today. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the girls will continue to carve a niche for themselves by acquiring more education. He said that the girls must actively participate in politics to ensure that the country is well governed by the people of high integrity and commitment for public service.
The Chief Minister said that youth of the state possess inherent qualities to excel in every field and their capabilities must be utilized properly. He said that the students and youth are like planes and the state government will provide them a launchpad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the youth of Punjab don’t achieve their desired goals and excel in every field.
The Chief Minister said that the previous governments never paid heed towards imparting quality education to the students. He said that the sons and daughters of big leaders used to study in convent schools at hills due to which the government schools were never their thrust areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that instead of imparting education, the government schools were merely mid day meal centres during the previous regimes.
On the other hand, the Chief Minister said that now the state government is constructing Schools of Eminence across Punjab and is sending the teachers abroad and even to prestigious national institutes to upscale their teaching skills. He said that the well trained staff has helped in enhancing the rate of admissions in the government schools of the state adding that Punjab is now witnessing education revolution as the state government has laid major thrust on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the teachers and Principals are focusing only on education as for all the rest of work, the required staff has been recruited by the state government.
The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun in a full-fledged manner. He said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars adding that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed adding that this noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war. He asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone.
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government will organise a series of events to commemorate the upcoming 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji on a massive level. He said that a series of functions will be organized across the state and comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib will be ensured. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already chalking out a detailed program to organise a series of events to commemorate the martyrdom day of the great Sikh Guru.
Striking an emotional chord with the students, the Chief Minister recalled his days as a student of university. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had studied in the university and had performed from the same stage during his academic years. He said that education from University has ensured his holistic development adding that the students must utilize this study for scaling new heights in life.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur and others also paid tribute to Baba Sahib on the occasion.