"The Punjab Government, headed by Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, has been trying hard for the last one year to realize the dreams of our martyrs, the unity of the state and efforts have been made to eradicate drug addiction, illiteracy, corruption and unemployment from the state. The Government has been succeeding in achieving all these goal with the help of the people of the state".This was stated by Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance Minister of Punjab, while addressing the state level Shaheed Divas function after paying floral tributes to the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Raj Mata Vidya Vati and Mr. BK Datt here today at Shaheedi Smarak Husainiwala.In his address, Cabinet Minister Manpreet Badal said that the nations which forget their martyrs and their legacy, are often found on the margins in the pages of history. He said that the Punjab government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh is not only working on the construction and maintenance of memorials of the martyrs but also for realising the dreams of establishing an unemployment, illiteracy, corruption and drug addiction free society. He said that the state government has been providing jobs and self-employment opportunities to the youth of the state besides breaking the supply line of drug paddlers to eradicate this menace from its roots.
Mr. Manpreet Badal said that Punjab Government has dedicated the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Rajguru and Sukhdev to the youth of the state as 'Yuva Sashaktikaran Divas'. "Under this programme the villages, Mohalla, all divisions and district level DAPO (anti-drug committees) have been formed. These committees will cooperate with the police and civil administration at the grassroots level and help the government and administration in bringing the youth into mainstream besides helping the youth in availing job opportunities", he added.Finance Minister further said that the budget to be presented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Saturday will be completely pro-people and Punjab-friendly and this budget will prove to be beneficial and far-reaching for every section of the state including border areas, farmers, labourers, poor people, traders, and employees. He thanked Dr Bharti Dutt Bagchi, the daughter of close companion of the martyrs Mr. B.K. Dutt, for attending the state level function. He said that the Punjab government always honoured the martyrs and their families as these families sacrifices a lot in the struggle for Independence.On this occasion, the Finance Minister accepted all the demands raised by Mr. Parminder Singh Pinki, MLA from Ferozepur city. These demands include Rs. 1 crore for setting up CCTV cameras in the border area, Rs. 50 lakhs for city park and Rs. 25 lakhs for gym in the police line and Rs 20 lakh for ambulance. He said that the Punjab government will soon release the funds for the development of Shaheedi memorial.
Mr. Parminder Singh Pinki, MLA Mr. Kulbir Singh Zira, MLA and Mrs. Satkar Kaur Gahri also addressed the function and paid floral tributes to the martyrs. In her address Dr Bharti Dutt Bagchi lauded the Punjab government's initiative of celebrating Shaheedi Divas as Yuva Sashaktikaran Divas and the measures being taken to eradicate drugs from the state.Addressing the function, Commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar and IG Bathinda Mr. M.S Chinna briefly informed about the anti-drug operations and the recruitment of DAPO. Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Ramvir presented a tribute to the martyrs and thanked the Chief Guest and the audience.On this occasion, the family of Shaheed Jagsir Singh of village Lohgarh Thakran and Dr Bharti Dutt Bagchi were honoured. presented the DEPO member identity card to Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal. A live telecast siphoning from Khatkar Kalan was organised on this occasion in which Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh administered the oath to the people of the state to say no to drugs.On this occasion District Congress Committee President Mr. Chamkaur Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Rajinder Singh DIG Ferozepur Range, Mr. Pritam Singh SSP Ferozepur, Mr. Vineet Kumar Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Harjeet Singh Sandhu SDM Ferozepur, Mr. Ranjit Singh G.A, Former MLA Mr. Gurnaib Brar, Congress leader Mr. Harinder Singh Khosa, Mr. Bittu Sangha, Mr. Advocate Gulshan Monga, Mr. Balvir Bath, Mr. Daljeet Singh Dulchi Ke, Rinku Grover, Surjit Singh Sethi, Ajay Joshi, a large number of patriots and prominent personalities and district residents were also present.