Chandigarh: Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and other ministers unfurled the Tricolour in various districts on Independence Day this week.
The Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs) were initially scheduled to hoist the national flag at several venues, but in view of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s recent order setting aside their appointment, the respective Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) did the honours.
At the state-level function in SAS Nagar, Badal said anti-social elements were conspiring against the state. “The people of Punjab know how to deal with such elements and save the state from their nefarious designs,” he added.
The CM honoured 32 persons with state-level awards and 17 officials from the state police with the Chief Minister’s Medal for Meritorious Service. He also felicitated freedom fighters and handed over sewing machines and tricycles to the needy.
Presiding over the I-Day function at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Amritsar, Sukhbir warned unruly elements not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the state. He honoured the kin of freedom fighters and handed over awards to police personnel and others who took part in the parade. He also distributed tricycles among the differently abled.
Others who hoisted the Tricolour included Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia (Patiala), Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa (Sangrur), Industry Minister Madan Mohan Mittal (Ropar), Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike (Tarn Taran) and Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (Moga).