Badal, who is also the chairman of Sri Dasmesh Academy Trust, made the declaration at the 24th annual prize distribution function of the academy at Anandpur Sahib today. He said the staff members of the academy would have to work very hard for the purpose. 

While admitting that he could not devote the required time to the academy in the past, Badal said no stone would be left unturned now to restore the Academy’s glory and shortage of funds would not be any hindrance for the purpose.

Later, talking to reporters, Badal said election of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state would be held in April and justified the state government’s decision to hold indirect election of the sarpanches, saying that the same would curb groupism in villages.

Responding to another query regarding the demand for a district status to Anandpur Sahib, Badal said that the status of a city was bigger than that of a district. However, he said, the matter would be considered in case there was any proposal for creation of new districts in the state.

Badal also gave away prizes to the students. Dasmesh Academy Principal Arun Sharma presented the annual report and highlighted the achievements of the academy.