Cheema announces 6,000 new stadiums to steer youth away from drugs

Lopoke (Amritsar): In yet another push to steer the youth away from drugs and towards sports, Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday announced the construction of 6,000 new stadiums across the state.He also outlined a broader development push, including Rs 50 crore for infrastructure works in the Raja Sansi assembly constituency and Rs 20 lakh for the development of village Lopoke, reiterating the govt's continued crackdown on drug traffickers under the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' campaign.After inaugurating the inaugural Kabaddi Cup at Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke Stadium in Lopoke, Cheema said such initiatives by the state govt were playing a significant role in restoring the glory of ‘Rangla Punjab'.He appreciated the efforts of Sonia Mann, in charge of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' campaign, and her team for organising such a commendable sports event in memory of Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke.Highlighting the role of sports, the minister emphasised: "Youth can be protected from drugs by connecting them with sports. Through sports, Punjab's youth will once again bring laurels at national and international levels. The Punjab govt has made special budgetary provisions to promote sports and sports culture, and is also creating new employment opportunities for the youth."Speaking on the anti-drug campaign, Cheema claimed, "Yudh Nashein Virudh has achieved major success, with several big drug traffickers being arrested and sent to jail. The govt is committed to eradicating the drug menace from its roots."Sonia Mann said, "Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke, the first Sikh martyr in Canada and a resident of village Lopoke, was a great personality who sacrificed his life for his nation and community. I thank the residents for organising the Kabaddi Cup in his memory."MSID:: 130173296 413 |