There is no dearth of funds for the expansion of modern education facilities in government schools of the district as Rs 18 crores are being spent upon upgradation of numerous projects in these schools. Announcing this, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal today said that the level of education will be taken to new heights with full might.Addressing the masses at different corners of the city he said that the developmental projects are at full swing in Bathinda district. During his visit at Government Primary School in Dhobiana Basti he laid foundation stone for 7 class rooms, a toilet block and staircases in the school premises."While developmental work has begun in 2 of these schools and it would also start in 10 other schools before March-31," Finance Minister said. He also announced Rs 80 lakh grant for the Government Primary School-Dhobiana Basti with which a swimming pool, basketball court and a ramp would be constructed.The Finance Minister interacted with the public at Amarpura Basti, Lal Singh Basti, Dhobiana Basti, Bhai Mati Das Nagar, Housefed Colony, Court Complex, Surkhpeer Road and Gaudia Math Mandir.During his address, Manpreet Badal pointed out that various developmental projects are started in the district with Rs 144.5 crores which will be completed within the stipulated time period at a very fast pace.He said that two railway over bridges and a foot over bridge will be constructed at a cost of Rs 90 crores and its tenders would be called within this month and the construction would begin in less than 3 months. Similarly Rs 18 crores would be spent upon the upgradation and construction of new roads.The Minister stated that the 40 percent work of the strengthening and construction work of roads has been completed and the rest of the work would be finished before the end of March.He said that the work of upgrading the Bathinda Grain Market will also be completed soon with an expenditure of Rs 9 crores whereas modern facilities would be provided at Bathinda Civil Hospital with Rs 4.5 crores and its work would begin in the month of February.Sewerage pipes are being laid in ward number 1 and 2 of the city with Rs 2.5 crores and its 20 percent work has been completed. Similarly Rs 2 crores construction work of over bridge on Sirhind Canal near Teacher Colony too has begun.Manpreet Badal reiterated that he would leave no stone unturned for the overall development of the district.Among others who were also present during the occasion included former Minister Chiranji Lal Garg, Congress Urban President Mohan Lal Jhumba, Ashok Pradhan, Jaijeet Johal,, Rajan Garg, K.K. Aggarwal, Arun Wadhavan, Pawan Mani, Tehal Sandhu, Nathu Ram, Parkash Chand, OSD Jasvir Singh, Jimmi Brar, Sarajraz Gill and Inder Sahni.