Govt to bear expenses of Farid Mela

Faridkot, September 22

Seven years after then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal declared the annual Baba Farid Mela as the heritage mela, state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal today announced that the state government would bear all expenses of the mela.

In the absence of grants, the district administration had been facing shortage of funds for fewer donations this time. Addressing a public gathering on the “Aagman Purab” of Sufi Saint Baba Sheikh Farid here today, Manpreet said the state government had reserved Rs 50 crore for the heritage festivals.

Giving a message of unity and brotherhood, Manpreet said divisions in the name of caste, religion and colour were the biggest threat to the nation.

He announced to release the remaining grant of Rs 87 crore for the sewage and drinking project of Faridkot city. He also announced Rs 40 crore for the construction of “Pakka Khalas” in the area. On the demand of local MLA Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, the Finance Minister announced to set up a modern park for the beautification of the city. — TNS