The Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today demanded the setting up of a Basmati Trading Corporation by the central government so that the farmers of the state did not face any problem in selling basmati besides getting a profitable rate for the product.In an interaction with media persons here at the residence of senior SAD leader and former Union Minister, Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, S. Badal said the Punjab Government was adopting a practical and mature approach to solve the current agrarian crisis which had occurred due to attack of whitefly on cotton crop. He also divulged that the State Government has taken strict action against the persons responsible for the sale of spurious pesticides in this connection. He also said the present agitation launched by the farmers had been hijacked by the people with narrow and vested political interests and certain associations with the leftist leanings are trying to gain political mileage out of the whole issue.
The Deputy Chief Minister also elaborated his plans for the development of SAS Nagar as the ‘Showcase city’ and said that no dearth of funds would be allowed to hamper the development projects. He said for this purpose, the state government has already started development works amounting to Rs. 19 crore and another aid of Rs. 50 crore would be released soon.Announcing the setting up of SAD office in SAS Nagar, he also asked the Municipal Councilors to send development proposals of their wards to the MC Commissioner so as to meticulously chalk out the strategy for overall development of the city.
Endorsing the Growth oriented roadmap presented by the Deputy Chief Minister, the Municipal Councilors demanded the development of 70-80 sectors through land pooling policy. They also sought the shifting of dumping ground at industrial area Phase 8 -B.On this occasion, MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, Former MLA Ujagar Singh, Chairperson District Planning Committee Bibi Amanjot Kaur Ramoowalia, DSGMC General Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, BJP District President Sukhwinder Singh Goldy, Harsukhinder Singh Babbi Badal , SAD District President Joginder Singh Salaich and all Municipal Councillors of SAD-BJP were present.