Continuing his spree to set up ultra-modern libraries in the state, CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday dedicated 14 new ultra-modern libraries in the Sangrur districts constructed at a cost of 4.62 crore.
The Chief Minister envisioned that these libraries would act as a harbinger of growth and prosperity in the state adding that this path breaking initiative is aimed at inculcating reading habits amongst the youth of the state. He said that this step will go a long way in empowering the youth and making them an equal partner in the social-economic development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these libraries would go a long way in transforming the destiny of the youth and produce bureaucrats, scientists, Doctors, technocrats and others.
The Chief Minister said that these world class libraries are equipped with ultra-modern facilities to ensure that they act as a paradise for book lovers. He said that hi-tech facilities like Air conditioners, Invertors, CCTV cameras, Wifi and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries are a true repository of knowledge and literature adding that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for all of us that this state-of-the-art libraries house precious books on varied subjects, which attracts the book lovers.
The Chief Minister said that the collection of libraries includes some of the rare and precious books, which would be a big asset for the book lovers. He envisioned that these libraries would prove to be a game changer for transforming the destiny of the students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the motive is to make sure that the youth excel in every field and gems are produced from the state for proving the mettle of state in varied fields.
Later, the Chief Minister dedicated the Weightlifting centre constructed at a cost of Rs 14 lakh and Astro Turf constructs at a cost of Rs 92 lakh in the War Heroes stadium. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said that the Punjab government has laid major thrust on the promotion of games in the state thereby utilizing the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has given funds to the players for the preparation of games so that they excel in sporting events.
The Chief Minister said that the result of this is that Punjabis have bagged 19 medals in the Asian games held last year, which is the highest tally of states in Asiad, since its inception. He further said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all as 10 players in the Indian Hockey contingent are from Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, the players of state are bringing laurels for the state adding that the state government is incentivizing the players with the cash awards and other facilities.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government has decided that no parade of Republic Day will be held in any ground, with synthetic track, across Punjab. He said that during the parade a number of tableaus and other events are organised to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during the functions the movement of vehicles and other machinery during the parade cause damage to the track.
The Chief Minister further said that the damage caused to track causes a lot of inconvenience to the players which is not justifiable. He said that to avoid this state government has consciously taken a decision to not hold the Republic Day parade in any stadium with the synthetic parade. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per this only the function slated to be held at Ludhiana on Republic Day will also be held at the PAU adding that the state government is committed for promotion of sports in the state and any sort of loss to players or sporting infrastructure is unimaginable.