Chandigarh/Punjab – Senior Punjab IPS officer and prominent Congress supporter, Gurinderpal Singh, has strongly criticised the Punjab government’s alleged plan to establish a medical college in the so-called “New Chandigarh,” formerly known as Mullapur GaribDas. Posting on social media, Singh described the proposal as “urban development based on nexus” and called for an immediate review of such plans.
According to Singh, the decision reflects a troubling focus on affluent areas while neglecting the needs of ordinary voters in backward districts. “We need medical colleges in the backward districts of Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, or Dhuri,” Singh wrote. “Think of the people who voted for you and your party. Taxpayers’ money is not meant only for the rich and powerful. This is a perfect model of the mafia.”
Singh emphasised that Punjab is more than just the Chandigarh region, which already has close access to premier institutions such as PGI Chandigarh. “We have 25 other districts—first set up medical colleges in remote, backward districts where such colleges will bring investment and opportunities,” he added.
The officer urged Chief Minister Punjab to “shun mafia and nexus” and reconsider spending government funds in areas that primarily benefit the wealthy. He suggested that private institutions could serve affluent regions, while public investment should focus on districts lacking adequate medical infrastructure.
Singh’s post comes at a critical time, ahead of Punjab’s upcoming elections and the government’s final budget, highlighting concerns over equitable development and the allocation of public resources.
Political analysts suggest this critique resonates with public sentiment in rural and underdeveloped areas, which have long demanded improved healthcare and educational facilities.
Observers believe Singh’s intervention could spark renewed debate on how government projects are prioritised and executed in Punjab.