Asserting that he is a common man and brother of every Punjabi,the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Charanjit Singh Channi today said that he has setthe wheels in motion to end the VIP culture in government functioning therebyfacilitating the common masses.
“I am one of you and I don’t need an army of 1000 securitypersonnel to protect me from my own brethren”, said Mr Channi while announcingto curtail his own security cover.
The Chief Minister, during his address at IK Gujral PunjabTechnical University, said that he was surprised to learn that after assumingcharge of my office suddenly I have 1000 security personnel to guard me.Terming that it is sheer wastage of government resources, he said that thiscannot be allowed as what harm my own Punjabis will do to me as I too am acommon man like them. Mr Channi said that overruling the rationale given byintelligence agencies regarding threat to his life, he has asked the Police toreduce his security.
The Chief Minister also quipped that he was surprised to learnthat being the head of state he is also entitled for car as big as room for thecomfortable travel. However, he said that what peeved him was that Rs 2 crorewas spent from tax payer’s money to purchase this car. Mr Channi said that thisluxury is unwarranted and undesirable as these funds could have been wellutilised for the welfare of the public especially those from weaker andunderprivileged sections.
The Chief Minister unequivocally said that heis votary of simple living and high thinking, so this VIP culture has to go atall cost. He said that I am not fond of luxurious lifestyle rather he is thereto serve the Punjabis adding that he has also asked the officers to ensurereduction in vehicles constituting his cavalcade. Mr Channi also said that heis not a VIP rather a normal Punjabi and anyone can call him anytime on hisphone as he is available for serving the people 24X7.