Punjab’s Minister for Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Labour, Hospitality, Rural Development and Panchayats, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Wednesday paid tributes to Shaheed Rehmat Ali, a prominent martyr of the Ghadar Movement, stating that Punjabis had made nearly 90% of the sacrifices during India’s freedom struggle.
Addressing a tribute ceremony organised at Shaheed Rehmat Ali Memorial Government High School in Wajidke Khurd, the minister said that Punjab has always played a leading role in the country’s freedom struggle. On the occasion, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced ₹10 lakh from his discretionary funds for development works in the villages of Wajidke Khurd and Wajidke Kalan.
Highlighting the achievements of the Mann Government over the past four years, the minister said the government has not only undertaken development works worth crores of rupees but has also launched several people-friendly welfare schemes. He particularly lauded Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s initiative in the very first year of the government to ensure canal water reaches every farm.
“Massive projects involving canals, distributaries, minors and pipelines were executed, as a result of which canal water usage in the state has increased significantly from 21% to 70%,” Sond added. Speaking about other key achievements, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the government has brought revolutionary changes in the fields of education and healthcare. To keep the youth away from drugs and connect them with productive activities, the state government is developing 3,100 model sports grounds across Punjab.
As many as 94 of these grounds are currently under construction in Barnala district. During the event, the school magazine titled “Rehmat and Reshma” was also released. MLA Mehal Kalan and Chairman of the Privileges Committee of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kulwant Singh Pandori, appreciated the villagers for organising the programme and stressed the importance of educating children about the glorious legacy of the state’s martyrs.
MLA, S. Labh Singh Ugoke said Shaheed Rehmat Ali sacrificed his life for the country. “Only those nations that remember and honour their martyrs can preserve their identity and move forward with pride,” he added.
On the occasion, Chairman District Planning Board S. Parminder Singh Bhangu, District Education Officer (Secondary) Suneetinder Singh, Member of Shaheed Rehmat Ali club and panchayati representatives were present.