Patiala, 29-04-2023 (Press Ki Taquat)– Describing the debt burden of educational institutions as a social evil, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said in clear words today that educational institutions will not be allowed to run short of funds so that the state’s No child should be deprived of opportunities to acquire quality education.
Addressing the teachers and students of the university on the occasion of the 62nd foundation day of Punjabi University at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall here today, the Chief Minister said that it is the primary duty of the government to provide educational opportunities and he is satisfied with this. The state government is constantly striving to raise the level of education by providing maximum support to educational institutions.
While congratulating the foundation day of this university, which is making an important contribution in promoting Punjab and Punjabi, the Chief Minister said, “This university is the pride of Punjab and Punjabi mother tongue. It is also known as the ‘Heart of Malve’. I had guaranteed to free this university from the burden of debt so as to restore the pride and true glory of this reputed university imparting higher education in North India. Today, on the occasion of the Foundation Day, I am happy to share with you that in this year’s budget, the state government has provided a grant of Rs 30 crore to the university every month. I sincerely hope that this university will achieve great achievements in the field of higher education now that it is free from financial constraints.”
Describing higher education as an important stage in the life of the youth, Bhagwant Mann said that Punjabi University is playing a role as a role model for the youth of the state, especially in the rural areas, which guides these youth in realizing their dreams. This university is encouraging the youth for other constructive activities besides imparting training.
Recalling the memories associated with Punjabi University, the Chief Minister said, “This university inspired me to follow new ways and new thinking in my life. The origin of my art is from this university and the stage of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall is the path of my life from where I took flight of my dreams.”
Inviting the youth to become their own role models, the Chief Minister said that only people who take new steps in the society emerge as examples for others. He said that nowadays we can move forward with new ideas by moving away from traditions because we need to be with the times.
Describing the ‘School of Eminence’ as institutions that shape the future of the youth, the Chief Minister said that in the coming time, the youth will be clear about their goals and achieve that goal by getting education from high-class schools like the ‘School of Eminence’. They will go to study in universities. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also mentioned this great achievement of the students who secured the first three places in the eighth class results of the Punjab School Education Board.
Reiterating his commitment to promote the Punjabi language, Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is making great efforts for the promotion and dissemination of the mother tongue. He said that a special campaign is being conducted to give the highest priority to Punjabi on the signboards of the shops in the state so that there is no shortage in the respect of the Punjabi language.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister while announcing the upgrading of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hall said that this hall will be equipped with modern facilities so that international level events can also be held in this hall.
On this occasion, Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind specially thanked the Chief Minister for the steps taken to free the university from debt. The Vice-Chancellor said that the foundations of this higher institution were starting to weaken due to debt, but due to generous funding by the Chief Minister, these foundations have started to become stronger. He assured the Chief Minister that the government has fulfilled its duty and now the university will achieve a great position in the field of higher education.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and Information and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Joudemajra, MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Neena Mittal and Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and other personalities were also present on this occasion.
