Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a new girls’ hostel at Mata Sundri University Girls College, reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure and ensuring that daughters from every corner of Punjab have access to safe and quality learning facilities.
Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The construction of this girls’ hostel, being built at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 10 crore, will be completed within the next six months. This facility will provide major relief to female students who travel from far-off areas to pursue their education.”
He further announced, “A state-of-the-art digital library will also be established at the college at a cost of Rs 13 lakh. This digital library will significantly assist students in their academic pursuits and in preparing for competitive examinations.”
Emphasizing the broader development agenda of the state, the Minister stated, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing comprehensive development across all sectors.” Recalling his earlier visit to the campus, he said, “During my previous visit, students shared the difficulties they were facing due to the lack of residential facilities.
Taking immediate cognizance of their concerns, we coordinated with the concerned departments and initiated this multi-crore project under the PM-USHA scheme.” He added, “The hostel will have residential rooms capable of accommodating 122 students, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for our daughters.”
Highlighting the Punjab government’s record on employment, Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Over the last four years, more than 63,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth of Punjab. These transparent and merit-based recruitments have restored public confidence and have led to a visible decline in the trend of youth migrating abroad.”
Reiterating the government’s firm stand on maintaining law and order, Harpal Singh Cheema asserted, “A special campaign is underway to eliminate the menace of drugs and gangsters from Punjab. Let me make it clear that no individual attempting to disturb the law and order of the state will be spared.”
Mansa MLA Dr. Vijay Singla also addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for this vital infrastructure boost, which will greatly benefit the students of this region.”
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by College Principal Dr. Barinder Kaur and Dr. Amar Inder Singh, Director (CC) of Punjabi University Patiala, who appreciated the government’s continued support for strengthening educational institutions. During his visit, Harpal Singh Cheema also witnessed kickboxing matches on the campus, encouraged the athletes for their dedication and discipline, and posed for commemorative photographs with them.
The programme was attended by Budhlada MLA Principal Budh Ram, Deputy Commissioner Mansa Navjot Kaur, District Planning Board Chairman Gurpreet Singh Bhuchar, OSD to Finance Minister Tapinder Singh Sohi, Director Aman Mittal, SDM Kala Ram Kansal, Municipal Council President Sunil Kumar Neenu, and several other administrative and political dignitaries.