DW BUREAU / Malerkotla

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the government will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill moved by the BJP-led NDA government tooth and nail. Interacting with the media here after participating in Eid, the Chief Minister said the Muslim brethren "are opposing this Bill vehemently and the Aam Aadmi Party is solidly with the community in this hour".

He said the party would oppose the Bill both in the Parliament and in the Vidhan Sabha to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community.

CM Mann said the government "is committed to ensure the well-being of every strata of society and no stone will be left un-turned for it". Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said the government is committed for making the optimum utilization of the groundwater in Punjab.

He said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15,947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail-ends even in far-off villages. He said this "is acting as a catalyst in saving the groundwater on one hand and ensuring canal water to the farmers for their irrigational needs".

Buoyed over the prayers being offered in local Eid Gah for wiping out the menace of drugs from the state, the Chief Minister said "it is heartening to learn that people are supporting the 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' in a big way".

He said this is the need of hour as the crusade against drugs can be won only through active support and cooperation of people. Mann said that active public participation is much-needed for winning the war against drugs and making Punjab a drug-free state.

The Chief Minister said the government is working to facilitate the people and in one such initiative a complete facelift is being given to all roads in the state.

He said that these roads act as a catalyst in commuting, besides smooth transportation of the goods and services to people.

Likewise, CM Mann said these roads give impetus to the economic growth of the state and facilitate the people residing in the state.

Meanwhile, addressing a massive gathering after offering prayers at the local Eid Gah, the Chief Minister, in a major Eid bonanza to the Muslim brethren of the state, announced development works worth Rs 200 crore for the development of the historic town of Malerkotla.

CM Mann also congratulated the people on the occasion of Eid which symbolises universal brotherhood, peace and amity.

He said this festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, which re-affirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy.

The Chief Minister hoped this sacred occasion will further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, which are reflected in noble human values as propagated by our great gurus and saints since time immemorial.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this auspicious festival strengthens mutual goodwill and inspires each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship, harmony and amity. He called upon the people to celebrate this joyous festival collectively by rising above parochial considerations of caste, color and creed with great enthusiasm and religious fervor.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister further said that the state government is duty bound to develop the historic town of Malerkotla and it will be spruced up as 'Model district'. He said that Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular can never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla by raising voice against the execution of 'Chotta Sahibzadas' at Sirhind. Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone will be left unturned to ensure a comprehensive and all-round development of this city for which a roadmap has been already prepared.

The Chief Minister further said that the district will be equipped with the ultra modern infrastructure and basic civic amenities for which the efforts were on foot. He said that the state government is committed to strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost.

Announcing major projects for Malerkotla residents, the Chief Minister said that a 100 seat medical college will be soon constructed at Malerkotla which will emerge the district as a hub of medical education.

He said that along with the Medical college a super specialty 200 bedded hospital will also come up at Malerkotla to provide quality healthcare services to people. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the existing girls' college in Malerkotla will be upgraded to improve educational facilities.

The Chief Minister further said that funds have been released for the construction of a new District Administrative Complex and Tehsil Complex in Malerkotla along with another Tehsil Complex in Amargarh. Likewise, he said that a new bus stand, link roads, sanitation facilities, and playgrounds will be developed in Malerkotla and nearby villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Jarg-Rauni and Khanna Road will be strengthened and constructed for better road connectivity to the people.

The Chief Minister said that Mini Bus Service will be started for Rural Areas and permits of Mini buses will be given to unemployed youth thereby creating job opportunities and improving rural transport. He said that the government will continue its campaign against illegal properties, corruption in the Revenue department and menace of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 200 crore has been allocated for Malerkotla's progress as the state government is committed to inclusive growth and

prosperity of the district.

(editor@dailyworld.in)