Reforms, innovation key to Punjab’s growth: Delhi L-G

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Sunday underscored the need for Punjab to draw strength from its rich and progressive legacy to address present-day challenges. He called for a renewed focus on education, skill development and institutional capacity.

Delivering the remarks at a conference on “New Punjab: Building an agenda beyond crisis” at the Constitution Club here, he said Punjab’s history of resilience, reform and innovation must serve as the foundation for its future growth.

He said the women in the state secured voting rights as early as 1926, well before their counterparts in Britain. He also referenced the evolution of representative institutions like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, stressing that democratic participation and social reform have long been embedded in Punjab’s ethos. “Punjab’s story is one of grit and vision. Its people have shaped not just the state but the nation,” he said.

Emphasising education as a cornerstone of empowerment, the former Indian Envoy to the United States recalled the early 20^th century efforts of reformers like Sardar Teja Singh and Master Tara Singh, who established institutions that continue to produce leaders across sectors, including the armed forces.

On drug abuse, he said while law and order remained the responsibility of the state, there was a critical need to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation mechanisms.

He also highlighted Punjab’s untapped agricultural potential, suggesting that improved export linkages—particularly to markets in the UAE—could significantly boost farmers’ incomes.

Senior advocate HS Phoolka raised concerns over declining soil fertility due to excessive fertiliser use, noting that some farmers were now importing wheat from other states. He also flagged the unintended consequences of free electricity and water, which discouraged the adoption of sustainable practices like solar pumps and drip irrigation.