Asserting that the secular foundations of India’s Constitution would continue to stand firm, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday vowed to protect one and all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
The Chief Minister declared that the nation’s unity was inviolable, notwithstanding the discordant voices being raised in the current scenario. Pointing out that the resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly (on CAA) was there for all to see, the Chief Minister made it clear that the state would not allow the country’s secular fabric to be destroyed at any cost.
"Secularism was the message of our Guru, whose philosophy of ‘Na koyi Hindu, Na koyi Musalaman, Sab Rab ke bande’ is imbued in our consciousness", he said at the Republic Day function in Mohali
He unfurled the tricolor, and also took the salute at a colourful parade, followed by a cultural extravaganza by school children. For the first time this year, the Republic Day celebration in the State witnessed an inspiring display by the Special Operations Group (SOG), constituted by the Chief Minister as an elite, specially trained force to combat terrorism, infiltration, hijacking and other sensitive threat situations.
Emphasising the need for quality and more relevant education Capt Amarinder announced that 19 new IITs would be established in the State, along with new medical colleges in Mohali, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur.
The Chief Minister reiterated his Government’s commitment to farmer welfare, even as he pointed out that the average yield of wheat had increased from 42 Quintal/hectare in the year 2006-07 to all time high of about 52 Quintal/hectare in the year 2018-19, with last year reporting record production of 183 Lakh Metric Tons of wheat.
Expressing concern on the issue of safety of women, the Chief Minister said apart from the free Pick and Drop facility by the State Police, One Stop Sakhi Centres had been established in all Districts for the “protection of our daughters.”
On the critical issue of the depleting water table, the Chief Minister stressed upon the need to conserve water, whose level had come down to less than 13 MAF, as a result of 73% of it being used for irrigation purposes.
COMMITTED TO WELFARE OF ALL SECTIONS, SAYS KHATTAR
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said his Government was committed to ensuring the welfare of all sections of the society and stated that the year 2020 would be observed as the "Sushashan Sankalp Varsh".
"It has been decided to celebrate 2020 as the ''Sushashan Sankalp Varsh'', under which programmes and schemes will be prepared throughout the year to make the lives of people easier," he said at Jind while addressing the gathering at an event on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.
Describing the farmers and soldiers of Haryana as the pride of the country, Khattar said on the lines of the Kisan Credit Card, the Pashu Kisan Credit Card will be launched so that the cattle-rearing farmers could also take advantage of it.
Exhorting youngsters to stay away from drugs, the Chief Minister, in a Government statement, said 2,000 health and wellness centres would be set up in parks and gymnasiums in rural areas.
Stating that the modern lifestyle was adversely affecting the health of youngsters, he stressed on moving towards organic farming. "We can improve the health of people by minimising the use of chemicals. Apart from this, the Government is also giving a special emphasis on cleanliness," he said.
SECOND MEDICAL COLLEGE IN CHANDIGARH
Manoj Parida, Advisor to UT Administrator announced a second medical college for Chandigarh while speaking on the occasion of Republic day on Sunday here.“A proposal to create a second medical college is in pipeline. The Administration has also decided to provide 50 acres land to PGIMER for enhancing OPD facilities in this world class institution,” he said
At present, there is one medical college-Government Medical College and Hospital in the city.
Parida said that through constant efforts of Administration, intake for MBBS course has been increased from 100 seats to 150 seats, which will provide more opportunities to the deserving local students.
On transportation front, he said that to cater to local transport, CTU is planning to introduce Electric Buses The Chandigarh Traffic Police is also soon going to launch a mobile app for enabling citizens to systematically report traffic violations, he added.
For convenience of residents, MCC will soon start the online process for approval of Building Plan, the Advisor said.Speaking on education sector, he announced that the Administration will soon launch online teacher transfer policy portal.
A world class shooting range will soon come up in the union territory of Chandigarh. Works on Mini Sports Complexes in Sector 8 and Sector 27 will also start soon. Also, projects for construction of Mini Sports Infrastructure for Billiard and Snooker at Sector-42 have been approved here, he said while adding that sports teach the core lessons of life namely, dedication, determination, team spirit, hard work and time management.
HIMACHAL GUV UNFURLS TRICOLOUR AT THE RIDGE
Shimla: The 71st Republic Day was celebrated with fervour at the historic Ridge maidan here as Governor Bandaru Dattatreya unfurled the Tricolour and took salute during an impressive parade by contingents of the police, ITBP, home gaurd and schoolchildren.
The customary grand parade was led by Capt Nikhil Kumar, 2nd Naga Regiment.Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also present on the occasion.
Various cultural items were presented during the programme with the traditional attire remaining the centre of attraction.
Tableaux depicting various development activities of the state government were showcased on this occasion.
The Governor and the CM also released balloons, giving the message of beti bachao, beti padhao.
The day was also celebrated in all 12 districts of the state, including snowbound tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
