Motivating the students to celebrate green and eco-friendly Diwali, Punjab Minister for Education and Environment O.P.Soni today said that the common people and particularly students could play a sturdy role in saving the environment by opting for green Diwali and saying `NO` to the fire crackers.Mr. Soni, who was the chief guest at a function organized by Education department and Amritsar Vikas Manch at Government Saragarhi Memorial Secondary School, Town Hall here to motivate students for celebrating green diawali, also said that the Diwali is a festival of lights which always brings a message of prosperity, love for humanity and brotherhood and we all should create an example by celebrating green diwali keeping in mind the deterioration of our environment which is a major cause of various health hazards. About 5000 students also took oath for not opting for fire crackers on this Diwali festival.
Referencing to the initiatives of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for prosperous and healthy Punjab, Education Minister said that the students should also contribute in these initiatives by keeping our environment clean and green as the students are always known as the future of nation.Terming both education and health as priority areas for the state government, Mr. Soni revealed that Rs. 1000 crore were being spent for further improvement in education sector in Punjab. He also informed that Rs.25 crore were being spent for fulfilling the requirements of furniture in state government schools. Education Minister also announced Rs. 10 lakh for Saragarhi Memorial School. Education Minister also planted a sampling in the school premises. On the occasion SDM Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Chief Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. G.S.Majithia, DEO Mr. Salvinder Singh Samra, Mr. Kulwant Rai Sharma, Mr. Charanji Singh Gumtala of Amritsar Vikas Manch, Principal Balwinder Singh and others were also present.