President of Youth Akali Dal, Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer, strongly condemned the decision of the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to shut down nearly 12,000 Youth Clubs across Punjab, stating that this move is nothing less than stabbing the youth in the back.
Jhinjer said that there are around 14,000 Youth Clubs in Punjab, which play a crucial role in engaging rural youth in sports, cultural activities, and in keeping them away from drugs. He said that during the five years of the Congress government and the four years of the Aam Aadmi Party government, only promises were made to the youth, but no real change took place. Both governments have failed Punjab on every front.
Raising questions, Jhinjer asked the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to clarify how much grant has been given to Youth Clubs in the last four years. How many clubs were provided with sports kits, gym equipment, or other basic facilities? If the government never supported Youth Clubs, on what basis are they being labelled as “inactive”?
Jhinjer said that Youth Clubs are still functioning, but it is the government that failed to make them stronger and run them effectively. Now, a deliberate conspiracy is being hatched to dissolve these clubs and re-register them in the names of the government’s favourites.
He alleged that with the Assembly elections approaching, the Aam Aadmi Party has suddenly remembered the Youth Clubs in villages. This entire exercise is nothing but an electoral stunt. Had the government genuinely cared for the welfare of youth, it would have ensured proper funding, employment-linked schemes, and sports and cultural programmes for Youth Clubs over the past four years.
Jhinjer said that during the Shiromani Akali Dal government, Youth Clubs were not only established, but were also kept active through funding, sports equipment, and various programmes. In conclusion, he warned that the youth of Punjab will not tolerate any more betrayal.
The youth, members, and students of every village Youth Club will respond to this deceit in a democratic manner.