MAN OF WORDS- CAPT. AMARINDER SINGH

(By Harpreet Sandhu, Author, Practicing Lawyer, Punjab & Haryana High Court)
Capt. Amarinder Singh under his able governance as Chief Minister Punjab within a span of 40 days has initiated significant implementations in the interest of the State, particularly with notification under Rule 108 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 ensuring ban on red beacons, and shun the undue security cover to politicians and bureaucrats enabling to curb the ongoing political VIP culture in Punjab. Having check on violence, lawlessness initiated step to review the Arms and Ammunition licences aiming to ensure strict compliance under the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016 issued in the State, enabling to curb the misuse of illegal weapons by the armed gangs witnessed recently during the previous regime in Punjab and forming SIT team to crackdown on drug menace.

Another impressive step – ban on names of Ministers/Public Servants on the foundation stones/inaugural plaques, this way Capt. Amarinder Singh has sent a colossal message for his team members that their approach for the commons should be humble, transparent with equality and simplicity.

It was a year back when Capt Amarinder Singh visited the Khalsa College campus, Amritsar, where he had promised to scrap Khalsa University Act, 2016, and had opposed the previous regime to remain away from this historical significant institution, thus keeping his words..... Capt. Amarinder Singh has once again shown his grit by initiating another appropriate move of his government by scrapping Khalsa University Act, 2016, thus saving one of the most prestigious and historic 125-year-old Khalsa College establishment and protected the legacy of this historic monument, which is one of oldest educational institutions in the country with a heritage status from being converted into a private institution. Indeed this step will go in the interest of students and teachers of the institution and remembered amongst the commons as a meaningful contribution by the Chief Minister of Punjab in the field of education in the times to come.

Rather Capt Amarinder Singh’s personal front as an author proves his intellect and hold on history as he recently came up with another marvellous book, “Saragarhi And The Defence of The Samana Forts” based on the 36th Sikhs in the Tirah Campaign 1897-98” - the saga of valour and heroism shown by 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikhs (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment). No doubt Capt. Amarinder Singh has authored several books but this book had a special significance as he has just won a historic election.

At least Captain Amarinder Singh as an individual has always been appreciated for his stand on genuine issues in the interest of State, presently the way meaningful steps are being implemented from his desk indicate that he will augur well for the future prospects of Punjab.