Education Minister assures comprehensive school reforms; Opposition raises concerns over medical facilities

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Winter Session Latest News: The Winter session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha entered its second day with continued deliberations on crucial legislative matters. Today's proceedings, guided by Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, commenced with a comprehensive question-and-answer round, setting the stage for the introduction of three significant bills by the Punjab government.

During the question-and-answer session, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains addressed concerns about the state's education system. He assured that by March 31, 2024, every government school in Punjab would have adequate teaching staff, eliminating the possibility of any school lacking a teacher. Furthermore, Minister Bains outlined plans to equip all 20,000 government schools with Wi-Fi connectivity during this period. He highlighted that Wi-Fi installation had already been completed in 4,000 schools, with construction ongoing in 8,000 more. Additionally, security measures, including the deployment of security guards, have been implemented in schools across Punjab.

Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, raised questions about the absence of Mohalla Clinics in his constituency, Gurdaspur. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh responded, stating that four Aam Aadmi clinics were operational in Gurdaspur, with two more ready for service and three in the pipeline. Minister Singh committed to establishing a medical college in Gurdaspur, addressing concerns about inadequate medical facilities in the region. Mocking Bajwa's knowledge of local clinics, Dr. Balbir Singh challenged him to a visit, asserting that he would personally guide him to the existing Mohalla Clinics.

Despite progress in the legislative discussions, dissatisfaction arose within the opposition, leading to a demand for an extension of the winter session by one week. The first day of the session witnessed the passing of the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2023. Today's agenda includes the potential passage of the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2023, which was stalled after the session, declared illegal last month by Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit.

Adding to the legislative lineup, the Punjab government may present the Punjab Canal and Drainage Bill 2023, designed to regulate and manage canals and drainage systems in the state. The bill, approved by the Cabinet on November 20, aims to address critical water management issues in Punjab.

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