Badal announces land to Christian community for burial grounds

Acceding to a long pending demand of Christian community about provision of land for graveyards, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the state government will "leave no stone unturned" in ensuring suitable lands for burial ground to the community across the state.
Addressing a gathering during a function organised to mark 25 years of service by Diocese of Jalandhar Dr Franco Mulakal here, the Chief Minister said necessary directions have been given to the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts to find suitable land for burial grounds.
He said that the state government was duty bound to provide land for the burial grounds to the community and "no stone would be left unturned."

Lauding the Christian community for rendering marvellous services in the fields of education and health-care, the Chief Minister said that the community was serving the masses.
The veteran Akali leader said that he was grateful to the community for serving the poor and needy and the state government will extend full support and cooperation to the community in this noble cause.
"The firm commitment and dedication of the Christian community inspires every individual to serve the mankind in real sense," he added.
Describing the SAD-BJP alliance government as the most secular government in the country, the Chief Minister said it has taken path breaking initiatives for the welfare of each and every strata of society.

On the occasion, Vatican Ambassador Arch Bishop Salvatore Pennacchio presented a "Message of Peace" to the Chief Minister from Pope Francis on the occasion of upcoming Gurpurab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev.