His business shut, Jalandhar councillor spends Rs 4 lakh for welfare of his ward

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13

For the past nearly two months, his business of readymade garments and currency exchange has been lying shut. But 35-year-old first-time councillor from ward no. 50 Paramjit Singh aka Sherry Chadha is undeterred with these losses. Instead, he has gone ahead with spending nearly Rs4 lakh for the welfare of ward residents.

From providing free ration to getting his entire ward repeatedly sanitised, Chadha has been doing every bit to ensure that families in his ward are not inconvenienced in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.

“I have been trying every bit to ensure that people stay at homes, get all provisions on their doorstep and maintain social distancing norms. For poor families, my team of 10 youngsters and I have been providing free grocery and ration. But for those who can afford stuff, we have been ensuring that they get necessary items in time and they do not have to step out of their houses,” said Chadha.

Councillor’s visuals of riding a tractor for a joint sanitisation exercise with MLA Rajinder Beri in Rainak Bazaar and helping vegetable sellers sell their produce in congested mohallas while strictly ensuring 2-meter distance between everyone had gone viral. These were widely appreciated in the city.

On being asked how he was managing all expenditure, Chadha said, “I am not just a councillor but also a businessman. I have earned a lot for my family in the past few years. Now, it is time to do something for my people who trust me and love me. Several people have joined me with their small donations making my mission bigger and more achievable.”

He said, “My cousins who live close by are very supportive. It was my uncle and ex-councillor Joginder Tony from whom I draw all the inspiration. He had worked intensely for people and served them as a councillor for over 20 years. I wish to follow his path and I pray that God gives me more strength to serve humanity in these tough times.”