Malerkotla set to get girls’ college

Malerkotla, June 7

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today virtually inaugurated Malerkotla as the 23rd district of the state. Stressing women empowerment, the CM said: “We have deputed women officers in the district to help area women in best possible way.”

He digitally laid the foundation stone of Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan Government Medical College at a cost of Rs 500 crore. The first instalment of Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned. He also laid the foundation stone of Government College for Girls, to come up at a cost of Rs 12 crore and a new bus stand (Rs 10 crore), besides unveiling a women police station. The CM announced a grant of Rs 6 crore for development under the Urban Environment Improvement Programme.

Interestingly, the wife of Malerkotla’s last ruler Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, Begum Sahiba Munawwar-ul-Nisa, was not invited to the event by the administration.

“Begum Sahiba couldn’t have attended the function uninvited. She has, however, thanked the CM for announcing development projects for the district. If the administration invites her in the future, she will attend the event,” said Mohd Mehmood, private secretary to the Begum.

“Only a few persons were invited to the event. Owing to Begum’s old age, we decided not to invite her, keeping the pandemic in mind,” said T Benith, Malerkotla SDM.

Referring to the significance of Malerkotla in Sikh history, the CM said people across the globe respected Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan for raising voice against the tyranny unleashed by then Sirhind governor Wazir Khan. Cabinet Minister Razia Sultana, the local MLA, said the Congress government had fulfilled key promises made to the people of Malerkotla. “The CM is also touch with the Agha Khan Foundation (UK) for renovation of historic Mubarak Manzil Palace,” she said.

After the virtual programme, Sultana along with DC Amrit Kaur Gill and SSP Kanwardeep Kaur physically laid foundation stones. Congress’ Amargarh MLA Surjit Dhiman, who stayed away from the event, said he was “busy with personal work at Dirba”. — TNS

Last ruler’s wife not invited

• The wife of Malerkotla’s last ruler Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, Begum Sahiba Munawwar-ul-Nisa, was not invited to the event by the administration
• “Only a few persons were invited. Owing to Begum’s old age, we decided not to invite her, keeping the pandemic in mind,” said T Benith, SDM

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