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THE Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal attended the annual academic function of Panjab University today.

On the occasion, medals and cash prizes were given to 158 students, of which 118 were girls. The PU Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti welcomed the guests in chaste Punjabi.

Appealing to the CM to grant funds to the varsity, he said, the Regional Centre, Muktsar, was CM’s brainchild. “We started the centre, but did not receive the promised grant. Also, we are planning to open a BEd college in Koani, Muktsar.

Funds are also needed for the development of its infrastructure,” he said. The V-C added that they are expecting that the government would release the funds that are due for many years.

The CM granted a sum of Rs 1.25 crore to the varsity. Though, complaining of lack of funds with the government, he promised that all possible help would be provided to the University. Badal said the budget allocated towards education is not much, “This is one reason why we lag behind other countries,” he said.

Badal said 65 per cent of the Punjab population lives in villages. The faculty and students of the varsity could contribute in their development by spending atleast one month each in these areas. “There is no dearth of talent. But everyone has to contribute in bringing it forward,” he said.

Talking about the future projects, Badal said that by the end of the year he would ensure that every block in Punjab has a senior secondary school, matching the standards of top schools in Chandigarh. Education would be provided to the poor and intelligent students free of cost. One such school has been started in Khatkarkalan, he said.

Sidelights
* The CM amused the audience with his anecdotes and observations.

* Sounding very pleased with the V-C speaking in Punjabi, Badal said, “Not even in remote
areas do we hear Punjabi being spoken at such functions. I too had prepared my speech in English and instead of a kurta, have worn a coat. But it was a welcome change to hear a speech in Punjabi.”

* On being told that the number of girls receiving medals were more than boys, Badal said that it is fast becoming a trend everywhere. He said, “I tell the boys that the day is not far when they would be heading towards the kitchen and the girls towards the offices.”

* The CM was also very eager to know whether the members of the Senate and Syndicate comprised of Punjabis. He wanted that majority of the members should be from Punjab and
was assured that no member from Haryana was there.