Setting up his agenda for the New Year 2015, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that the SAD-BJP government would continue its relentless efforts for ensuring the well being of the weaker and underprivileged sections of the state. Addressing a mammoth gathering during a religious function organized by Aadi Dharam Samaj (AADHAS) here at Mandi Bhagatanwali on New Year eve, the Chief Minister said that whenever the people of Punjab have bestowed upon him the responsibility of serving the state, his government has accorded top priority to ensure the welfare of weaker sections of the society. He said that the pro-poor schemes like Shagun, Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidtya Scheme and others have been launched by his government, for safeguarding the interests of the strata of the society. Mr. Badal vowed that his government would continue to make endeavors for safeguarding the interests of these underprivileged sections of the society, which has played a key role in the overall development of the country in general and Punjab in particular. The Chief Minister further said that in order to open new vistas for the children of weaker sections of the society, the state government has been laying special thrust on imparting quality education to them.
He said that apart from upgrading the infra structure in all the government schools, six new schools have been opened for the bright students of the weaker sections, who secure 80% or more marks in matric in the government schools. Mr. Badal said that the state government was providing free education to these students along with boarding and lodging facilities. The Chief Minister said that one of the biggest achievements of his political career was that a project worth Rs 250 has been embarked by the state government for the construction of state of the art Temple-cum-Panorama center at Sri Valmiki Tirath Amritsar, where Bhagwan Valmiki Ji had composed the masterpiece epic of Ramayana. He said that this Temple-cum-Museum would be an architectural marvel, which would help in perpetuating the glorious legacy of Bhagwan Valimiki Ji Maharaj. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that efforts were afoot for constructing memorials of Bhagat Ravidass Ji, Baba Jiwan Singh, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and others.
The Chief Minister exhorted the Valmiki community to become an integral part of the ongoing development of the state by extending fulsome support to the SAD-BJP alliance. He said that the state government was making concerted efforts for the overall development of the state, which could only yield positive results with the active support and cooperation of the people, especially from the weaker sections of the society. Mr. Badal assured the gathering that the state government would leave no stone unturned for their well being and prosperity.The Chief Minister also hailed the initiative of Aadas to celebrate New Year by offering prayers to God instead of just dancing and merry making. He said that such efforts were required to be replicated in every nook and corner of the state. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chief of AADHAS Mr Darshan Rattan Raavan and Chairman of Safai Karamchari Welfare Board Punjab Mr Raj Kumar Atikay.