Punjab Guv calls for eradicating female foeticide

Mohali, Jan 26 (UNI) Expreessing serious concern over the rising drug addiction and cases of female foeticide in Punjab, state Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues called for stringent steps for tackling these vital social issues.

The Governor was addressing a largely attended state level function on the occasion of the 58th Republic Day today after unfluring the National Flag and taking the salute at an impressive march past by contingents of the state police, NCC, Home Guards and scouts at the Government College grounds here, Calling for steps to cheacking child abuse, poverty and illiteracy, he said that such issues were eating the vitals of the social system and called for a crusade at all levels for their eradication through imaginatively structured programmes.

Gen Rodrigues appealed to the people to work with commitment and dedication and help the administration in its drive to tackle these social menaces.

Calling on the people to renew their resolve for rededicating themselves to the task of building a New India, as envisioned by the stalwarts of our freedom struggle, he said that a collective and committed endeavour focus on adherence to the democratic values and ideals of secularism was vital to meet our cherished objectives.

Gen Rodrigues reminded the people that freedom was attained by the supreme sacrifices made by innumerable known and unknown martyrs. ''Many jawans of the Army, Police and Para-Military forces also laid down their lives for protecting the unity and integity of the country in different operations,'' he added.

He said that today there was complete peace, harmony and prosperity in Punjab. Punjabis would continue to play a pivotal role in national reconstruction work and furthering the process of social change through their commitment and dedicated endeavours, he added.

Gen Rodrigues presented President's Medals for meritorious service to Home Guard officials including Manohar Lal, Hardeep Singh Bajwa, Parmod Kumar and Santokh Singh. He also presented trophies to the best contingents of the march past and artistes of cultural programme.

Mrs Jean Rodrigues, wife of the Governor, Director General of Police R S Gill, Deputy Commissioner Tejveer Singh, senior serving and retired Army and Civil Officers were present on the occasion.

A colourful cultural programme by school children depicting the freedom struggle was presented on the occasion.

UNI