Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
On the eve of Labour Day, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called upon the legal fraternity to uphold and protect India’s constitutional framework, envisioned by B. R. Ambedkar. He was speaking at a seminar held at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, organized by the Punjab Advocate General’s Office.
The event brought together members of the legal community to deliberate on the enduring relevance of constitutional principles. Paying tribute to Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, Cheema highlighted his immense contribution as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a visionary economist who helped shape key financial institutions in the country.
“Babasaheb Ambedkar not only gave India its Constitution but also laid the economic foundations that continue to guide the nation today. His vision of justice, equality, and institutional integrity must remain our guiding force,” Cheema said.
Expressing concern over what he described as growing threats to democratic institutions, the minister stressed the increasing responsibility of legal professionals. He warned that the true spirit of the Constitution’s Preamble is under strain, making the role of lawyers more critical than ever in defending democratic values.
Cheema also pointed to recent political developments and defections in states such as Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, and Goa, calling them a worrying trend that demands vigilance from the legal community.
Turning to the economy, Cheema alleged serious fiscal mismanagement by the Centre, stating that the national debt has risen sharply from ₹55 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹212 lakh crore at present, raising concerns about long-term economic stability.
He further criticized the recent hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices, claiming that the increase was implemented immediately after elections in four states, placing an unnecessary burden on citizens.
Highlighting governance reforms in Punjab under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Cheema emphasized steps taken to institutionalize transparency and social justice. He noted that Punjab has set a national example by implementing a reservation policy in the appointment of law officers in the Advocate General’s office.
In his concluding remarks, Cheema commended the efforts of law officers and Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi for consistently defending the state’s policies in court. He urged them to continue building strong and legally sound arguments to uphold the welfare-oriented initiatives of the state government.
