New Delhi, December 26
The Centre has decided to give a package of nearly Rs 200 crore for the development and improvement of facilities at the historic towns of Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo.

An official spokesman said the package will be a part of the year-long project to commemorate the 300th Guruta Gaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the sub-committee chaired by tourism and culture minister Ambika Soni which was attended by Punjab Chief Minster Parkash Singh Badal.

Media adviser to the Chief Minister Harcharan Bains said the Centre had cleared the state government’s proposal for improving infrastructure in the two holy towns.

This was in addition to the project to link Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Hazoor Sahib (in Maharashtra) via Talwandi Sabo by a national highway named after Guru Gobind Singh.

Soni informed the meeting that her ministry would soon put up a comprehensive proposal about development plan for these two historic towns before the Union Cabinet for final approval.

Expressing gratitude Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said he was personally indebted to the Centre on behalf of Punjabis for the support extended for the prestigious project.

A spokesman said Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also appreciated Badal’s initiative for seeking a special development package for the two towns.