Chandigarh, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday defended the state government’s expenditure on religious and cultural programmes, saying public funds were being used judiciously to preserve Punjab’s heritage and connect the younger generation with the teachings of its Gurus and saints.
Reacting to Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi’s criticism of government spending on such programmes, Cheema said the Bhagwant Mann government was committed to using public money for initiatives aimed at strengthening people’s connection with Punjab’s religious, cultural and spiritual traditions.
“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,” Cheema said in a video message.
He said the government had commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib with devotion and reverence, with the programmes aimed at helping younger generations understand the ninth Sikh Guru’s sacrifice and message.
Cheema also highlighted celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj across Punjab, saying such programmes were intended to honour the state’s religious heritage.
He said initiatives such as ‘Hamare Ram’ were also aimed at respecting people’s religious sentiments while introducing children and young people to India’s cultural heritage.
The Finance Minister further defended the government’s pilgrimage initiatives, saying they had helped elderly and economically weaker devotees visit important religious sites.
“Many elderly people and financially disadvantaged families have deep desires to undertake such pilgrimages but are unable to do so due to financial constraints or age. The Punjab Government is fulfilling those wishes,” he said.
Taking aim at the Congress, Cheema said opposition to such initiatives reflected what he described as the party’s disconnect from the aspirations and sentiments of ordinary Punjabis.
“Opposing such people-centric initiatives shows the poor mentality of the Congress and its disconnect with the aspirations and sentiments of ordinary Punjabis,” he said.
Cheema asserted that the Punjab Government would continue initiatives aimed at strengthening the younger generation’s connection with the state’s religious and cultural heritage.
He also said the government would continue respecting the faith, traditions and sentiments of people belonging to all communities while promoting Punjab’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
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