Border states Punjab, Rajasthan should get special economic policy: Som Parkash

Aparna Banerji
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, September 25

Union Minister for State Industry and Commerce Som Parkash on Wednesday that Punjab should have a special economic policy given that it was uniquely placed as a border state.

“Punjab and Rajashthan have traditionally suffered due to being border states. Hence a different scheme and a new policy should be proposed for them. I have asked Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to make a proposal for the same. We have also held meetings inviting feedback from traders and industrialists. I have written to all chief ministers. We are in the process of making a new industrial policy,” he told reporters at a press conference he addressed on Wednesday.

Parkash, who won this year’s general elections from Hoshiarpur, conceded to an economic downturn in the country but said the central government had planned a slew of measures to revive the economy.

“There is certainly there a slow-down in the economy. Now it is at the 5.8 per cent—the government wants it to get up to 7 to 9 per cent. All steps are being taken for that. There is an atmosphere of disappointment, in some quarters. We intend to stop that speculation. Across the country we are bringing new industry policy.

He said the Amritsar-Kolkatta Industrial Corridor—one of the five such corridors setting up in the country—is also a step aimed at bettering the economy.

“The centre has asked Punjab government to earmark a 1000-acre land at Rajpura near Patiala to be developed into an industrial town,” he said.

Ravidass temple

Parkash said the BJP was committed to ensure the rebuilding of Ravidass temple in Delhi that was torn down after the Supreme Court’s order earlier this year.

Parkash said: “The government has been clear on its stance. The temple should be made again. Warlier it was imperative to abide by SC ruling. On the next hearing in the case, the government will declare it stance that it has no objection in the construction of the temple of the same site. DDA has been asked to allot land for the temple.  Due to green belt, change of land use shall also be acquired. It is the government’s commitment that the temple be rebuilt at the same place with the permission of the Supreme Court”.