CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 25 — Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema pushed back against criticism from Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi regarding government expenditure on religious and cultural activities, asserting that public funds are being used purposefully to preserve the state’s heritage. In a video message, the minister stated that state-sponsored events aim to instill fundamental spiritual teachings in younger generations.
“We are not misusing public money; we are making good use of it by connecting our younger generation with our heritage and with what our Gurus and saints taught us through Gurbani and spiritual teachings,” stated Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. He maintained that official observances, such as the 350th ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the upcoming 650th ‘Parkash Purab’ of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, serve to educate youth on historic spiritual legacies.
The minister pointed out that cultural outreach programs, including ‘Hamare Ram’, are crafted to respect public religious sentiments while educating children on regional history. Furthermore, state-backed pilgrimage assistance schemes are designed to aid senior citizens and financially disadvantaged families who would otherwise be unable to travel to prominent shrines.
Criticizing opposition figures for targeting these expenditures, the Finance Minister declared that resistance to heritage initiatives demonstrates political motives detached from popular public aspirations. He affirmed that the administration will continue funding cultural and religious programs across all communities.
