Govt taking steps to bring shattered economy back on track: Minister

Tribune News Service

Nawanshahr, October 18

Rural Development, Panchayat, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa today blamed that the previous SAD-BJP government in the state for the present fiscal mess in Punjab.

While interacting with mediapersons here at Panchayti Raj Rest House, the minister categorically stated, “The SAD-BJP during its 10-year rule has virtually played havoc with the economy of the state and the Capt Amarinder Singh-led state government has been taking effective steps to bring the shattered economy back on the right track.” The minister said the government had been taking initiatives to revive the trade and industry as well as to accelerate the pace of development.

The positive outcome of policies of the government can be gauged from the fact that Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has disbursed cheques amounting to Rs 58 crore for urban development. Soon, the development funds for rural development would also be released, said Bajwa, adding that the government had taken initiative to ensure women empowerment by granting 50 per cent representation to women in panchayati and local government institutions.

Answering a query regarding problem of burning of straw by farmers, the minister said the compensation amounting to Rs 200 per acre was demanded from the Centre for paying to the farmers. Being a farmer, he is fully aware about the problem being faced by the farmers, but at the same time it is our moral duty to protect the environment, said the minister while adding that the government has fulfilled the pre-poll promise of waiving loans of farmers.

The minister announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for solar lights at Baradari Garden, Nawanshahr.

Later, the minister attended a religious function at Sri Nabh Kamal Raja Sahib Virdh Ashram at Bharo Mazara village. Addressing the gathering, the minister lauded the social service activities being undertaken by the religious body. He also lauded the contribution of the NRIs Jarnail Singh Gosal, Jarnail Singh Pooni and Gurcharan Singh Gill for running the ashram. Responding positively to the demand of constructing a road to the ashram, the minister directed the BDPO, Banga, to prepare an estimate so that adequate funds could be released for it.

Former MP Satnam Singh Kainth, Nawanshahr MLA Angad Singh, Balachaur MLA Darshan Lal Mangupur, DC Sonali Giri, SSP Satinder Singh, SDM Aditya Uppal, DDPO Baljit Singh Kainth, BDPO Rajesh Chadha, Virdh Ashram committee president Dravjit Singh Pooni, Baba Balwant Singh, Raghuvir Singh Billa, Chaman Singh Bhanmazara, Rana Kuldip Singh were among those others present.