Mohali MLA lays foundation stones for 4 libraries, to come up for Rs 1.49 crore; wasn’t invited: Councillor

Kulwant Singh said the buildings are expected to be completed within three to four months (File photo).

Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh on Friday laid the foundation stones for four libraries, to be constructed in Sectors 77, 78, 79 and 80 at an estimated cost of Rs 1.49 crore.

Addressing mediapersons on the occasion, the MLA said the project aims to promote reading culture and provide modern study facilities to residents, especially students and youth.

The libraries are being constructed under the Punjab government’s Municipal Development Fund, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 35 lakh on each library.

Kulwant Singh said the buildings are expected to be completed within three to four months. “Each library will have a large hall along with essential facilities. Once completed, books, magazines and newspapers will be made available so that people can sit together, read, and stay informed about national and international developments,” he said.

During the event, the MLA also highlighted several initiatives of the Punjab government. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state is set to create history by launching a Rs 10-lakh health insurance scheme for all residents of Punjab from January 7. This is the first time any government has introduced a health insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh for every citizen,” he claimed.

The MLA further said that residents of Sectors 76 to 80 have been given major relief in enhanced land prices, with a reduction of Rs 1,116 per square yard. He also reiterated that the government is providing 300 units of free electricity per household per month.

“Punjab has once again embarked on the path of development. In the coming days, roads across the state will undergo a complete transformation,”Kulwant Singh said.

However, the event sparked controversy after Municipal Councillor Harjit Singh Bholu expressed strong resentment over not being invited to the foundation stone-laying ceremony in his ward.

Bholu said that two of the four libraries are being constructed in Sectors 78 and 79, which fall under his ward, and it was he who had earlier got the proposal approved and passed in the Municipal Corporation.“Despite this, I was not even invited to the foundation stone-laying ceremony. By ignoring the elected ward councillor, the ruling dispensation has undermined democratic norms,” he alleged.