Punjab CM sanctions Rs 15 cr for Jang-e-Azadi Memorial

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the second phase of Jang-e-Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar, work on which would be launched on November 1, an official said.

The project, spread over 25 acres, was originally sanctioned in July 2012 at a total outlay of Rs 315 crore.

Amarinder Singh, Chairman of Punjab Freedom Movement Memorial Foundation that is constructing the memorial, directed the Punjab Industrial Development Board to allow the foundation to use unutilised funds of Rs 8.12 crore for the construction and upkeep of the memorial, which will epitomise state contribution to India's freedom struggle.

Eminent personalities such as film director Shyam Benegal have been engaged with the project to ensure quality and class.

Tourism Minister Navjot Sidhu said the first phase was completed in June, adding that the project's second phase would be completed in two months.

The memorial comprises a minaret, seminar hall, auditorium, movie hall, cafeteria, library, an open-air theatre for laser shows, and an amphitheatre.

--IANS

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