Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today exhorted the parents to play pro-active role in taking special care of their teenage children to save them from falling in the trap of drug addiction and promised to continue the crusade launched by SAD-BJP government against menace of drug addiction till its logical end. He also underlined the need for bringing more sensitivity towards the core issue of gender equality by empowering the women.
Addressing a huge gathering after unfurling the National flag here at Multi-purpose stadium on the occasion of 64th Republic Day function , the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that Punjab being on the transit route of international drug trafficking always remained vulnerable but due to the concerted efforts of state police the drug recoveries has increased manifold in last 5-6 years. He said that this crusade would continue and nobody would be allowed to ruin the youth power of the state. He also urged the parents to take special care of their teenage children to save them from menace of drugs.
He further said that the unfortunate incident of criminal assault on women in various parts of the country serve us a grim reminder that during last 65 years of independence we have faltered on the front inculcating gender sensitisation amongst our masses. He said that the society had also lagged behind in educating girl child besides checking the menace of female foeticide. He said that it was the high time that the country should launch a sustained program for empowerment of women; ensure strict legal provisions to give deterrent punishment to the culprits of crime against women besides setting up of fast track courts for time bound adjudication of such cases. He said the State Government has dedicated the year 2013 for empowerment of women and we should vow to become active partner in this campaign to save our humanity from extinction.Congratulating the people of Punjab on the occasion of 64th Republic Day, Mr. Badal said we were proud of the fact that Punjabis have made more than 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle. Punjab inherited the legacy of sacrifices in struggle from its Gurus' and Saints' who taught us to work selflessly for betterment of humanity. It was with the indomitable Punjabi spirit that Punjab despite having 2.5% population of the country had contributed more than 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle.Mr. Badal said that ours most elaborate written Constitution during last 63 years has withstood the rigorous test of democracy and it was because of the strength of our Constitution and our belief in democratic values, the largest democracy of the world – India has become mature enough to ensure smooth transition of Governments by the use of ballot paper.
He said that by exercising this Right of franchise, the electorate of Punjab has created a history by giving a repeat term to the incumbent SAD-BJP Government, rewarding it for its pro-people, pro-poor policies. The responsibility given to us by the electorates has given us a challenge to fulfil their heightened aspirations by fulfilling our promises with redoubled zeal and efforts, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that with power surplus by the end of this year, 3 international and 3 domestic airports , linking of all cities and towns with 4/6 lane roads, development all towns and cities with approved master plans, Rs . 9, 000 crore project for up gradation of civic infrastructure in all 147 cities & town and Rs. 10, 000 crore project for overall development of all villages, the State would have the best infrastructure in the country in next three years. He said that the construction of four laning of Bathinda- Chandigarh road, a Rs. 2500 crore project would start next month.
He said that our Government has upgraded the sports infrastructure in the state with the setting up of 6 Astroturf hockey stadium, 7 multipurpose stadiums, Sports complex at Mohali, Punjab Institute of Sports at Ghudda and International sports hostel at the cost of Rs. 200 crore. Besides this, the SAD-BJP government has always taken care of poor by spending Rs. 1313 crore on Atta-Daal scheme, Rs. 2240 crore on old age pension scheme, Rs. 297 on Shagun Scheme, Rs. 455 on setting up of rural toilets in last five years.
Earlier, Mr Badal unfurled the National Flag and inspected the parade before taking salute from an impressive march past led by DSP Rajpal Singh. A captivating cultural programme mesmerized the audience. Tableaus of different departments showcased the overall development besides giving social message. Mr Badal also honoured freedom fighters. Physically challenged persons got gift of tri-cycles and needy women of sewing machines. Various contingents and troupes that excelled in the march past and cultural programme got prizes from Mr Badal. The Deputy Chief Minister also distributed commendation certificates to sportsmen, social workers and talented children.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included: Mr. N.S. Dhillon, IG Zonal, Mr. Jaspal Singh, District & Sessions Judge, Mr. K.K.Yadav, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Ravcharn Singh Brar, SSP, Bathinda.