Punjab to give RS 1 per kg wheat to poor

After the SAD-BJP Government’s ambitious Atta-Dal scheme catapulted it to power again in 2012 Assembly polls, it is all set to double the number of beneficiaries under it ahead 2014 parliamentary elections.

Announcing the same, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday said that wheat would be provided at Re one per kg, instead of Rs four, to nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries, doubling the number from existing 15 lakh.

Badal, addressing virtually a sea of humanity converged at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) after unveiling the plaque to mark the foundation stone laying ceremony of Rs 115 crore state-of-the art historical monument cum Temple with inbuilt Museum, Panorama and convention hall amidst the blessings of several saints, spiritual gurus and religious leaders during the state level function on the Pargat Divas of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, announced to extend this scheme to ensure two square meals a day to several left out poor families.

He said, “Poor man’s mouth was guru’s golak...the extension of this scheme on this historic day would be a humble tribute to Bhagwan Valmiki Ji.”

Badal said that the civil works on this upcoming temple would begin within next two months so that it could be completed within nearly two years.

Calling upon the people to follow the message of religious tolerance, harmony, peace and amity as preached by this great spiritual and religious Guru to carve out an egalitarian society for ushering an era of overall development and prosperity in the State, Badal categorically said that he, his government and even the SAD-BJP alliance was not here to take credit for this gigantic project of immense religious and sentimental value for Valmeki community rather it was the divine power which guided them to work in unison to cherish the aspirations of this community since time immemorial into a reality.

Mincing no words, he said that none should misconstrue the pro-poor initiatives taken by the alliance government as to appease a particular section of society rather these decisions were consciously taken for the welfare of all sections of the society in the larger public interest thereby displaying a sense of deep commitment towards the amelioration of the lot of poor, who were blatantly neglected since long.

Badal also complemented Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal for taking such path breaking decisions for the well being of poor and downtrodden sections of society. “Several such new schemes would be launched in the coming days for the welfare of the oppressed and disadvantaged sections of the society,” he added.

Alliance govt is secular: Sukhbir

Deputy Chief Minister and SAD president Sukhbir Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance Government in Punjab was secular to the core as it has really depicted the national ethos of ‘unity in diversity’ by giving due recognition, respect and reverence to all the religions, sects and communities regardless of caste, color and creed. Expressing solidarity with the religious sentiments of the people, he said that our government had been commemorating all these religious events and festivals collectively by regularly organising State-level functions across the state on the directions of the Chief Minister.

“Chief Minister is deeply concerned about the hardships and genuine problems being faced by the poor as a grass root leader because he could easily feel their pulse being interactive with them...the pro-poor schemes like Shagun, Old Age and Widow pensions, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya Scheme and several others are an outcome of his grave deep sense of commitment and passion for their well being,” said Sukhbir.

SAD-BJP govt works for poor: Kamal Sharma

Paying tributes, state BJP president Kamal Sharma said that SAD-BJP alliance government was the only government which sincerely works for the welfare of poor and disadvantaged sections of society besides safeguarding their interests. He said this upcoming temple at Sri Bhagwan Ashram was reflective of state government’s commitment to give due respect and recoginition to all the religions thereby rising above the parochial considerations.