The Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh has called upon the Punjabi Diaspora to become partners in the ongoing prosperity and development of the state. Addressing the Valedictory Session of the 25th International Punjabi Parvasi Diwas here this evening, the Governor this NRI meet in Punjab was as a platform to connect future generations of Punjabis living abroad with their roots as well as an attempt to understand the issues of the NRIs in the present socio-economic context.Mr. Badnore also said Punjab was the Gateway to Central Asian markets and it also had great Infrastructure in terms of road and rail connectivity and huge possibilities for further development of International air connectivity.Investment is the key requirement for a strong socio economic growth in the state.He also informed that the state government has upgraded the investment policy for ease of doing business and would give support in all possible manners. "Despite various challenges, our strong economic fundamentals, backed by sound policies, will enable us to tread to a higher growth path", he added.Adding further, the Governor said ICSI has given substantial recommendations to develop Services sector relating to the economic development of Punjab. He appreciated the efforts of the NRI Affairs of Punjab and asked the officers concerned to consider valuable inputs given during the day while formulating the policies for the Punjabi NRIs so as to make them significant contributors in future economic growth of Punjab.
He also said the deliberations throughout the day in different Panel discussions held on Medical Tourism, Banking and Financial Services, making Chandigarh as Financial Hub of North India, Vocational Education and skills development in Punjab with active support of our NRIs would bring desired results.Referring to the discussions held focusing on overseas and domestic employment & entrepreneurship avenues for our Youth, the Governor said besides setting up of Skills and Immigration Bureau in the Skills Mission Dept., Media- entertainment Industry related projects like Cinematic Tourism in the region and Infrastructure Development related areas should also be explored.Speaking on the occasion Mr. Prem Bhandari an NRI, Chairman of the Jaipur Foot in USA, said that his organisation took the initiative of creating awareness by holding a seminars on disability and holding free of cost camps for the physically challenged besides extending monitory help to them. He is also planning to organise similar camps at Hoshiarpur and Amritsar. Earlier, Mr. Gulshan Sharma DG ICSI highlighted the day's recommendations and the Chief General Manager SBI Chandigarh, Mr. Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh and Joint General Manager ICICI Bank Mr. Vishal Batra also expressed their views and suggestions on improving Punjab's economy and empowering Service Industry.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. N.S.Kalsi Additional Chief Secretary Home, General K.J.Singh and officers from the Punjab Government.