New Delhi, February 16
With an eye on Assembly polls in Punjab next year, the government today announced setting up of mega projects in the state, whose results would prove to be a boon for the Congress-led Amarinder government to overcome anti-incumbency factor.

The Centre today announced the setting up of an Indian Institute of Science-like institute of excellence, high-capacity freight corridor from Ludhiana to Sonnagar in West Bengal to link the state to eastern ports providing a link to the industry and agriculture sector.

“The government has decided to create new centres of excellence in basic sciences, on the lines of the Indian Institute of Science, in Kolkata, Pune and in Punjab,” the President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, said in his joint address to Parliament.

He said the government would invest substantially in the science and technology field to promote domestic research and development, both in public and private sectors.

“We will work with partners across the world to promote development and utilisation of knowledge through collaborative efforts,” the President said.

While welcoming the Centre’s decisions, Punjab Finance Minister, Mr Surinder Singla, told The Tribune, “With the sanctioning of a Indian Institute of Science for the state, which will be set up near Chandigarh — either around Mohali or in Zirakpur-Banur belt, the state will be able to attract knowledge-based high-tech industries.”

It is expected to be promoted as a centre of excellence in basic sciences, where research activities could be taken for the new areas. Mr Singla said, “It will be the first institute of its kind in North India, on the pattern of Bangalore, and would cost hundreds of crores. Financial provision for the project is likely to be announced in the Centre’s Budget later this month.”

The plantation of BT cotton and other genetically modified crops is also likely to get a boost, as Dr Kalam announced to set up a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority, allaying aside any doubts about the future of GM crops. It will be the nodal authority for release, import and post-release monitoring of GM crops and seeds.

Keeping in view the coming state Assembly elections next year, the Congress government in the state is making all out efforts to attract maximum number of Central projects. The state’s annual plan has already been pegged at Rs 4,000 crore.

Industrial units in Ludhiana, Jalandhar and other towns are also likely to benefit, as the government is to launch a “ten-year national manufacturing initiative to make the manufacturing sector prime driving force for employment and economic growth.”

The President said, “Emphasis will be placed on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and garments, leather and leather goods, food processing, IT hardware and electronics and auto components.”