Premium

CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 15 cr college in Ajnala border belt

Mann said that infighting is at its peak among the opposition parties as they lack any concrete agenda for the welfare of the people.

2 min readAmritsarJan 20, 2026 11:32 AM IST

CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 15 cr college in Ajnala border belt

Breaking protocol and taking a swipe at VIP culture, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann mocked elaborate security arrangements and chose to mingle with players and spectators at the Lala Lajpat Rai Janam Diwas Khed Mela, projecting an accessible, “aam aadmi” image. (File Photo)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Monday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 15 crore Government Degree College in Ajnala’s Bikraur, a village located along the international border. While addressing the gathering, he alleged that the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP had collectively looted Punjab for decades, hollowing out its institutions and forcing generations of youth to look abroad for opportunities.

He added that the new college, which will be named after revered scholar Baba Ghamchuk Ji, represents the AAP government’s resolve to rebuild Rangla Punjab through education, opportunity and public participation. “This college will ensure that youth from the border area can pursue higher education close to their homes. About Rs 15 crore will be spent on constructing this institution on over 15 acres,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Bikraur panchayat and residents for donating land for the project.

The CM said that youth from around 50 nearby villages will benefit from the college, with over 2,000 students expected to enroll in the coming years. “The institution will offer courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills, ensuring modern and quality education for students in the border belt,” he said.

Also Read | In Ajnala, a reminder of dark days, rise of another ideologue, and a warning

Highlighting the issue of migration, the CM said that negativity among the youth must be addressed so that reverse migration gains momentum. “Previous governments ignored this challenge and ruined the system, forcing young people to look outside the country. It is a matter of pride that our government has provided regular jobs to more than 63,000 youth purely on the basis of merit,” he said.

Mann said that infighting is at its peak among the opposition parties as they lack any concrete agenda for the welfare of the people. “The opposition has no vision for Punjab. They are only waiting for their turn to loot the people and the state’s resources. Their dreams will never be fulfilled because the people of Punjab are wise and brave, and they understand the dubious character of such leaders,” he said.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...