CM slams SAD for claiming credit to welfare schemes

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 22

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh criticised the Akalis for their alleged “shameless” attempts to take credit for various welfare and development initiatives of the Congress government.

Contradicting claims by Sukhbir Badal on various announcements made by the government as part of the Governor’s address, he said governance was an exercise in continuity and his government had no qualms in acknowledging or continuing with any worthwhile projects of the previous regime.

The Akalis would not be sitting in the Opposition had they really worked for the welfare and benefit of the people during their 10-year rule, he quipped.

The CM said his government expanded the ambit of free power to cover freedom fighters (300 free units) and industries (subsidised variable tariff of Rs 5/unit for next five years), besides raising old-age pension from Rs 500 to Rs 750.

‘Freedom fighters’ welfare a priority’

Capt Amarinder, in reply to a query by MLA Budh Ram, reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the freedom fighters. They and their dependents are entitled to travel free in government buses. “We are also giving them “out-of-turn” tubewell connection and 300 units of free power,” he said.