Adampur, Apr 14 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday lashed out at the previous governments led by the Congress and Akalis in the state, accusing them of denying education to the poor and underprivileged communities.
However, the AAP government is reversing this legacy of neglect by prioritising education and women’s financial empowerment to realise B R Ambedkar’s vision of dignity and equal opportunity, he said.
Mann was addressing a gathering during a state-level event to mark Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, according to an official statement.
“The AAP government is working tirelessly for ameliorating the woes of weaker and underprivileged sections of society to realise the dreams of Babasaheb — the chief architect of Indian Constitution,” Mann said.
“No freebie or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state, but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living,” he said.
Earlier, leaders left no stone unturned in “backstabbing” Ambedkar and shattering his dreams, he alleged as he targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress.
“Former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal’s vision for the people is reflected in the fact that during his tenure, no one was failed in schools till ninth standard as a result of which, students were not able to realise their weakness and subsequently failed at the matriculation level. Their entire life was thereby ruined,” the chief minister claimed.
“Rather than empowering these people by making them officers through quality education, Badal’s term just ensured that the poor students don’t study and remain confined to the Atta Dal scheme only,” Mann alleged.
These leaders usurped the money meant for the scholarship of the poor students, ensuring that they do not succeed in life, he further charged.
He said baffled by the “unprecedented” works done by the AAP government, Akali leader Sukhbir Badal is promising the moon to people, besides making baseless and irrational statements about the chief minister.
Advocating for greater participation of women in socioeconomic and political fields to carve a niche for themselves, Mann said, “It is imperative that the girls come forward and empower themselves through education. It is in the larger interest of the nation as the women who manage home and family efficiently should also run the country.” Mann further said women must come forward and participate in politics for becoming an active partner in the decision-making policy mechanisms and to bring the necessary and much-needed change in society.
Further, extending greetings to people on Baisakhi festival, Mann said, “This sacred occasion reminds people of our centuries-old rich and glorious cultural heritage.” He added, “On this auspicious day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh ji created Khalsa at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by baptising Panj Pyaras belonging to different castes thereby carving out an egalitarian society and preaching the wisdom of love and compassion for mankind besides universal brotherhood and communal harmony.” He further said, “This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and ripening of Rabi crops.” Mann added, “People should celebrate this auspicious festival together with traditional fervour and gaiety to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our country.” PTI CHS PRK
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