NSDC to set up skill centre at former CM Badal’s native village

On the second death anniversary of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced to set up “Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Skill India Centre” at his native Badal village.

Proposed by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, the centre would operate under the Skill India Mission and train over 2,000 youth in key sectors, including healthcare, retail, trade, agri-tech, info-tech, automobile and sports.

The NSDC would leverage the existing infrastructure in the village, with inauguration expected within two months.

Dr Sandeep Singh Kaura, advisor to the NSDC for the Skill India International Mission, said, “Skill development was close to Parkash Singh Badal’s heart. This centre will empower youth and reduce migration abroad.”

Sukhbir praised his father for not indulging in religion-based politics and being “a CM of the masses.” Manpreet Singh Badal, former finance minister and Sukhbir’s cousin, called his uncle “immortal”.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj described Badal as a “mahaan shakhsiyat” (great personality) of the Panth, Punjab, country and world.

Notably, Badal was posthumously stripped of the Fakhr-e-Qaum title in December last year that was bestowed upon him in 2011. The Jathedar raised con cern over presence of a liquor vend near the Attari war memorial and questioned the government’s silence on the development of Goindwal Sahib.

Calling for unity, the Jathedar warned that a weak Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee would harm Sikh identity. Gargaj praised Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal for demanding an amendment to Article 25-B of the Constitution to recognise Sikhs as distinct from Hindus.

Bikram Singh Majithia and Adesh Partap Singh Kairon were among the key family members, who remained absent.