Recognizing the bravery of 17 year old Karanbir Singh who saved 15 children after a school bus fell off a narrow bridge in year 2016, Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu handed over a reward of Rs.One Lakh to Karanbir from his own pocket and also announced Rs. 10 Lakhs for the repair of bridges from Government fund.The Minister who drove to the residence of Karanbir said that this boy was a role model and kids like him would motivate many.he Minister said that the child has saved precious lives and shown exemplary courage. He made the State proud so it my duty to be here and meet this little champion.The Minister who met the entire family of Karanbir said that the family was blesses to have a child like this.I am honoured to meet such little hero. He saved many lives and it was my wish to meet him. Karanbir had desired that the bridges be repaired so I personally came to see the condition," said Sidhu.
As the Punjab Minister went to the bridge from where the accident took place, he announced Rs. 5 Lakhs for the repair of the bridge.But as the villagers met the Minister and told him that their was another bridge in bad shape, the Minister announced Rs. 5 Lakhs more for the second bridge.The Minister also made a committee named as Karanbir Committee to look into repairs of the bridges.Happy to see the Minister at his house, Karanbir Singh said that getting a National Award was moment of pride for him and today Minister himself coming to his place was also great. I never thought this would happen and I am thankful for the reward, he added.Karanbir also narrated the incident to the Minister that how he saved lives.Notably Karanbir who received National Award few days back had also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about condition of bridges in his village and his desire to see them in good health.