Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Mondaysaid that the ‘Punjab Model’ of his government is based on ensuring qualityeducation and employment opportunities for all.
The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering hereat Guru Nanak Dev University campus after dedicating five chairs in the name ofBhagwan Valmiki ji, Bhai Jaita Ji (Baba Jiwan Singh), Bhagat Kabir Ji, eminentstatesman and architect of Indian Constitution Dr. BR Ambdekar and devout Sikh BhaiMakhan Shah Lubaana, described education as key to good standard of living. Hesaid that until and unless quality education is not imparted to the youth theamelioration of poverty is impossible. CM Channi said that the need of hour isto ensure quality and affordable education to all instead of freebies.
The Chief Minister further said that Punjab is a welfarestate and it is responsibility of government to ensure equal access of all toquality education and health. He said that the need of hour is to ensure thatpoor and meritorious students from all strata of society get a chance to excelin life. CM Channi said that his government is committed for this objective forproviding succour to the common man.
Batting for making necessary amendments in the curriculum,the Chief Minister said that it needs to be fine tuned as per the requirementsof existing society. He said to achieve this goal universities are required toplay a proactive role. CM Channi said that these institutions are temples ofhigher learning and therefore the fee structure should be rationalised so as tomake education easily accessible to one and all.
Pointing out further, CM Channi said that his governmenthas already set the wheels in motion to bail out the universities from fiscal crisis.He said that huge grant has already been given to Punjabi University, Patialaadding that no stone will be left unturned for helping Guru Nanak DevUniversity too. However, CM Channi asked the university administration toevolve a viable mechanism for reducing fees of the various courses.
The Chief Minister envisioned that chairs on name ofBhagwan Valmiki ji, Bhai Jaita (Baba Jiwan Singh), Bhagat Kabir, Dr BR Ambdekarand Bhai Makhan Shah Lubaana will be instrumental in perpetuating their lifeand philosophy for our coming generations. He said that extensive research workon Bhagwan Valmiki ji, Bhai Jaita (Baba Jiwan Singh), Bhagat Kabir, Dr BRAmbdekar and Bhai Makhan Shah Lubaana will act as a beacon for our cominggenerations to follow their footsteps. CM Channi said that this will help incarving out a peaceful and harmonious society.
The Chief Minister also announced to set up SangeetAcademy at university campus.
In his address President of Punjab Congress Navjot SinghSidhu hailed the Chief Minister for setting up these chairs. He expressed hopethat these Chairs will inspire the future generations to stay connected withtheir glorious and rich heritage. Sidhu said that these chairs are not merelyon name but they are institutions in their own.
PPCC President also lauded the party high command as ithas given the first Scheduled Caste CM to state since independence. He saidthat this is a revolutionary step which is in line with the Constitutiondrafted by Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar to achieve the goal of socialism in thereal sense. Sidhu said that Punjab will script a new success story if equalopportunities are provided to all.
In his address Cabinet Minister Dr Rajkumar Verka saidthat Punjab government under the leadership of CM Channi is committed to servethe poor zealously. He said that electricity and water bills of poor have beenwaived off by CM Channi which in turn is a major relief to the poor people.
On the occasion, Dr. HK Puri delivered his key noteaddress on life and achievements of Dr. BR Ambedkar. Dr. Amarjit Singhhighlighted the life and contribution of Bhai Jaita Ji and Sant Kabir Ji. Dr.Sarabjinder Singh presented historical facts about the life and philosophy ofBhai Makhan Shah Lubana and Dr. Sudha Jatinder threw light on life andteachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji.
Present on the occasion included PPCC President NavjotSingh Sidhu, MPs Gurjit Aujla and Mohammed Sadiq, Deputy Speaker Punjab assemblyAjaib Singh Bhatti, MLAs Harminder Singh Gill, Inderbir Bolaria, FatehjungSingh Bajwa, Gurpartap Singh Ajnala, Balwinder Singh Laadi, Tarsem Singh DCbesides Vice Chancellor Dr. Jaspal Singh and others.