Govt will continue to work for weaker sections: Badal

Setting up his agenda for the new year, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the SAD-BJP government will continue to work for the well- being of weaker and underprivileged sections of the state.
Addressing a gathering at a religious function at Mandi Bhagatanwali here, the Chief Minister said 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.
87-year-old five-time Chief Minister vowed that his government would continue to make endeavour for safeguarding the interests of the underprivileged sections, which have played a key role in the overall development of the country in general and Punjab in particular.

The Chief Minister said to open new vistas for the children of weaker sections, the state government has been laying special thrust on imparting quality education to them.
He said apart from upgrading infrastructure in all government schools, six new schools have been opened for bright students of the weaker sections who secure 80 per cent or more marks in matriculation examinations in government schools.
Badal said the state government was providing free education to these students along with boarding and lodging facilities.

He said one of the biggest achievements of his political career was a project worth Rs 250 embarked by the state government for construction of temple-cum-panorama centre at Sri Valmiki Tirath Amritsar.

He said the centre would be an architectural marvel, which would help in perpetuating the glorious legacy of Lord Valimiki.
Badal said efforts were also afoot for constructing memorials of Bhagat Ravidass, Baba Jiwan Singh, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and others.