“The forces which are out to disrupt the atmosphere of communal harmony in the State would not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs at any cost.” These views were reiterated by the Local Government, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu and the Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal at eidgah Malerkotla while congratulating the muslim community on behalf of the Punjab Government on the eve of Eid-Ul-Fitr.In his greetings to the muslim community, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal said that prophet Muhammad Sahib gave the message of peace, brotherhood and mutual co-existence to the world. The minister exhorted the people to continue making efforts to ensure that the financially deprived sections of the society are also included in the festivities.The Finance Minister announced Rs. 1 crore on behalf of the Punjab Government for the eidgah and said that the first budget of the congress government has major announcements to provide every necessary facility to the muslim community which includes Rs. 3 crore for urdu academy at Malerkotla, Rs. 10 crore for graveyards in the state and benefits under various welfare schemes.
He also appealed to the people to strive for providing higher education to their children.Giving his warm wishes to the muslim community on the occasion, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu announced Rs. 50 lakh for eidgah from his fund and gave an assurance regarding making Malerkotla a district by the congress government. He also said that the promise of establishing a government medical college at malerkotla would also be fulfilled. He further said that the muslim community would be accorded proper respect in the congress government. Calling eid a festival of mutual brotherhood and harmony, the minister exhorted the people to ensure peaceful co-existence and devote themselves towards serving humanity. On the occasion, the Public Works Department Minister, Punjab, Mrs. Razia Sultana thanked the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal for taking significant decisions concerning muslim community in the budget. In her greetings to the people, she said that the promise made by the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to accord district status to malerkotla would be made good soon. She also said that this pious festival is a symbol of peace, amity and compassion and depicts the secular culture of the state in a positive way.On the occasion, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, , Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal and Mrs. Razia Sultana were honoured by the Intezamia Committee Eidgah and various other institutions. Among others present on the occasion included DGP Human Rights Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Amar Pratap Singh Virk, SSP Mr. Mandeep Singh Sidhu, SDM Malerkotla Preeti Yadav, Assistant Commissioner Deepjot Kaur , Prof. Muhammad Rafi and numerous other dignitaries.