Chandigarh: BJP veteran Gulab Chand Kataria was on Wednesday sworn in as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh. The 79-year-old Kataria replaces Banwarilal Purohit.
Speaking to reporters after taking oath, Kataria said the President has entrusted an important responsibility upon him and he will try his best to serve the people of the state. "I will make all efforts to carry it out like a good public servant. These posts are not decoration. They are for serving people. In 40 to 45 years of my political sphere, I have done work considering service as my religion. Here also, I will try how can I be helpful in addressing the problems of a common man. I will hear them out and anybody can come here," Kataria said in reply to a question.
"From the beginning, my nature has always been to work in coordination with all. I think we may be fighting elections from different parties but our only objective is to serve people. I will make efforts to follow that religion," he said. To another question, Kataria said, "Definitely, I will visit border areas, will go to every district and will also review the works of the Centre and the state government. To take them (work) forward, will also give suggestions to the concerned district collector so that we can collectively do people's work in an efficient way."
While welcoming Kataria, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called him an experienced leader. "He (Kataria) has immense experience. He remained a minister in the Rajasthan government and we will use his experience and will work together for the benefit of people," he said. Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu administered the oath to Kataria at a ceremony in Raj Bhavan.