Centre to set up Skill India Centre in memory of former CM Parkash Singh Badal
On the second death anniversary of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced the establishment of the Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Skill India Centre in his native village, Badal, as a tribute to his legacy.
The centre, proposed by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, will function under the Skill India Mission and aims to train over 2,000 youth annually across seven key sectors — healthcare, retail, trade programmes, agri-tech, info-tech, automobile, and sports. The existing infrastructure in the village will be leveraged for its development. The centre is expected to be inaugurated within two months, with future plans to upgrade it to a university-level institution.
Dr Sandeep Singh Kaura, advisor to the NSDC and the Skill India International Mission, who will oversee the project, said, “Skill development was close to Badal Sahib’s heart. This centre will empower local youth and reduce migration abroad. I urge Sukhbir Badal to take this vision forward and work toward achieving university status for the centre.”
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the former CM’s cremation site in Badal village, where a Sukhmani Sahib Path was performed by the family. The event witnessed heartfelt tributes.
Sukhbir Singh Badal said his father never indulged in religion-based politics and was “a CM of the masses”. He further appealed to the national leadership to learn from Parkash Singh Badal.
Former Finance Minister and BJP leader Manpreet Singh Badal, who is a cousin of Sukhbir, called his uncle “immortal,” highlighting his efforts for communal harmony and the upliftment of the poor.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj emphasised Badal’s contributions to Punjab and the Sikh community. He raised concerns over a liquor vend near the Attari war memorial and questioned the government’s silence on the development of Goindwal. Calling for unity, Gargaj warned that a weakened SGPC would harm the Sikh identity. He also urged Akalis to remain ‘sabat surat’ (with unshorn hair) and strong in faith, appreciating Sukhbir for maintaining his flowing beard.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and SAD’s former working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder praised Badal’s services to the Panth. SAD leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal praised his spiritual discipline and moral stance, including his opposition to the execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana. Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema also paid tribute.
Notable attendees included Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and several former ministers. However, key family members like Bikram Singh Majithia and Adesh Partap Singh Kairon were absent.
The gathering served as both a moment of remembrance and a commitment to uphold Parkash Singh Badal’s legacy.
Punjab
