Shivraj V. Patil assures to give due status to Punjabi language in UT Chandigarh

Chandigarh, August 13, 13, 2013:   A group of Leaders belonging to Akali Dal Party called on Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Shivraj V. Patil to discuss certain issues. They had mainly two issues to discuss. One related to the teaching of Punjabi language in the schools. They were asking that in all schools there should be facilities for the students to learn Punjabi language and also learn other subjects in Punjabi.

The officers of Chandigarh Administration explained that in all schools of Chandigarh, students are allowed the facility of learning Punjabi and other subjects in Punjabi. They were also assured that if any school did not have this facility, it will be provided. In fact it was noted that all the schools have this provision.

The second matter related to the recruitment for the job of Conductor in the City of Chandigarh. The Members of the Delegation were told that any candidate who is Matriculate and who is able to speak in the language used in the City and surrounding areas will be eligible to apply. In case there is any legal difficulty in this aspect this will be done away with.

The Delegates were assured that any difficulty in this respect encountered by any person will be looked after by the officers and the officer concerned will be able to solve their problem. They will be able to meet the concerned officers in the Administration and will also have no difficulty in meeting the Administrator.

The Delegation was also told that before representing any of their demand they should verify the facts before presenting it to the Administration. They were asked to convey to people that ‘three language formula’ followed in the country will be followed in Chandigarh and any person wanting to use Punjabi will not face difficulty in doing so. The matter relating to Punjabi language is sometimes raised by few persons who are not fully informed of the policy followed at national and state level. They were requested to know the policies followed at all levels to the notice of people so that no misunderstanding is allowed to develop and  the Delegation assured that they will definitely do it and they were thankful to Administrator for meeting them at short notice.

The matter relating to use of Punjabi language in Chandigarh is being dealt with seriously and in detail because this issue is raised time and again by the people, who are not fully conversant with it.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Anil Kumar, Home Secretary, V.K. Singh, Finance Secretary. Besides other members of delegation included Harjit Singh, General Secretary, Sarabjit Singh Sohal, Organising Secretary, J.S. Kang, Shiromani Akali Dal, Prof Manmohan Singh, Gurnam Singh Sidhu, President, Chandigarh Shiromani Akal Dal, Maj Karnail Singh, Rajinder Singh Bedheri and Nirmal Dutt.