Will rid constituency of corruption says Kartarpur MLA Balkar Singh

Tribune News Service

Aparna Banerji

Jalandhar, April 20

In his maiden election after his retirement from police services, Balkar Singh, 59, registered a decisive mandate from the reserved rural constituency of Kartarpur, defeating Congress’ prominent Dalit leader Chaudhary Surinder Singh.

Having served the police for 32 years, Balkar Singh, who retired as DCP (Law and order), Jalandhar, in January last year, says his long years of service in Jalandhar and goodwill with the people of Kartarpur is coming in handy in his new role. Balkar joined the AAP in June last year.

Hailing from Tarn Taran, Balkar Singh’s long years in Doaba made Jalandhar his preferred city. He went to Khalsa College, Amritsar, as well as the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and was also an active member of student unions during his college days. He served Kartarpur as an SHO, DSP and SP (D).

Balkar Singh said, “Of the total 32 years of police service, I served Doaba for 20 to 25 years. I have received a lot of love here. I chose Kartarpur because people in the region give me a lot of regard which continued even after my retirement. As a police official, I addressed people’s grievances on merit. Before the elections too, I campaigned in the area for over one year right after my retirement. All people, regardless of social, economic or religious affiliations, have rewarded me for that.”

He says he will adopt a policy of zero tolerance to corruption. “The decisions of the CM and measures started to eradicate corruption are very good. I have myself given out a message to the electorate and instructed all officials that anyone indulging in corruption won’t be spared. I’m also visiting government offices daily,” says Balkar Singh.

In the constituency, education, health, unemployment and sanitation remain his key priorities. “There is a need to work as per the Delhi model to ensure the best of policies and schemes reach people. My thrust will be on health, education and unemployment. Kartarpur needs a government college and good higher education facilities. I will work for that,” he said.

Thrust on Health, edu

There is a need to work as per the Delhi model to ensure the best of policies and schemes reach people. My thrust areas will be education, health and unemployment. — Balkar Singh, Kartarpur MLA

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