Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today announced a special grant of Rs 25 lakh for the development and upgrade of the Sikh Regiment Centre (SRC) at Chandimandir.  

The chief minister made the announcement during the Baisakhi Lunch 2018, hosted by the Sikh Regiment at the Khetarpal Officers' Institute (KOI) at the Chandimandir Military station, said an official release.  

Recalling his association with the Indian Army, Singh, a former army man, reiterated his personal commitment to the welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen and said the grant would help in the development and upgrade of the sports infrastructure and other related facilities at the SRC.  

He also reaffirmed his government's commitment to extend all possible assistance to defence personnel and their families. The chief minister lauded the role of the ex-servicemen in his government's flagship "Guardians of Governance" (GoG) programme, thereby ensuring benefits of official schemes reach the poor and the needy at the grassroots level.  

Singh, who has authored a book on the famous Saragarhi Battle, presented a relic each, from the Saragarhi Fort, to the SRC and 4 Sikh Regiment (formerly the 36 Sikh Regiment), who had fought the historic battle. The chief minister said it took a lot of research to dig out the historical facts related to the battle.  

He said as a researcher, he discovered the immense contribution of the unsung hero "Dad", who laid down his life along with the other 21 brave hearts, while fighting the Afghan tribals in the battle. He recalled with pride his association with the 2 Sikh Regiment, which he had served as an officer, and said he would remain a part of the prestigious regiment till his last breath.  

Singh also spoke about his experience and expertise of warfare, which he learnt from his "Guru ji", then instructor at the Defence Academy Lt Gen (Retd) P S Vadhera, who was also present at the event. 

Earlier, welcoming the Chief Minister, Colonel of the Sikh Regiment Lt Gen S K Jha thanked him for his personal efforts in ensuring a second career for JCOs and Other Ranks (ORs) after their superannuation from the defence services.  

General Jha lauded Amarinder Singh's tremendous regimental spirit, and acknowledged his concern for the overall well-being of the soldiers.PTI