Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh proclaimed Malerkotla as the state's new district on Friday, noting that the people's long-standing desire had been met.
Marelkotla was the seat of the eponymous princely state during the British Raj. The state acceded to the union of India in 1947 and was merged with other nearby princely states to create the Patiala and East Punjab States Union. Malerkotla will be the state's 23rd district.
The chief minister also declared a Rs 500 crore medical college for Malerkotla, a women's college, a new bus stand, and a women police station while virtually greeting the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Malerkotla, a Muslim majority town, was once part of the Sangrur district and is about 35 kilometers from the district headquarters.
The chief minister added, "I know this has been a long-pending demand," when unveiling the new district.
Punjab had 13 districts at the time of the country's independence.
Malerkotla city, Amargarh, and Ahmedgarh will all be included in Malerkotla's jurisdiction, says Singh.
In a tweet later, he said, “Happy to share that on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, my Govt has announced Malerkotla as the newest district in the state. The 23rd district holds huge historical significance. Have ordered to immediately locate a suitable site for the district administrative complex.”
Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who was recognized by WHO as one of the great women leaders in the fight against COVID-19 is also from Punjab.
