Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today assured the delegation of Congress MLAs led by the leader of the opposition of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar that the state government would seriously take a call on all the issues raised by them after due deliberations with the concerned quarters for their early resolution. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal personally reached at the main gate outside his residence to receive the memorandum from Mr. Jakhar where he along with his colleagues were staging a Dharna in protest to their demands. The Chief Minister assured that he would soon convene a detailed meeting with the concerned officers of the various departments in light of the memorandum submitted by them before taking a final decision.
Responding to the main demands raised by Jakhar regarding payment of cane arrears of Rs.183 crore to the farmers, rehabilitation of drug addicts presently lodged in jails, property tax and release of payments under various schemes to the SC beneficiaries, Badal impressed upon the leader of opposition in state assembly that these issues would be amicably resolved, hopefully to their satisfaction. Seeking whole hearted cooperation and support from the Congress party and exhorting it to play a constructive role as opposition for effective resolution of these issues, Mr. Badal said that he always held the opposition in high esteem and expected them to play a pro-active role in the state's overall development. The Chief Minister said that he always welcomed healthy criticism but criticism for the sake of just criticism was not only unwarranted but also deplorable, adding he said his doors of residence as well as office were ever open for them to meet him for the growth of the state and prosperity of its people.
The Chief Minister also apprised Jakhar that the genuine grouses of his party MLAs related to the development of their assembly segments would be sorted out in consultation with the concerned MLAs and he extended an open invitation to them to bring such issues to his notice so that they could be reasonably taken care of. He also promised to get the issue of sub plan component for scheduled castes and payment of the pre and post matric scholarship to the SC students thoroughly examined so that the funds allocated for the welfare of weaker sections must reach to the eligible beneficiaries. Expressing remorse over the action of Congress MLAs to stage a sit in front of his residence, Mr. Badal said that he would have been more happy to offer them a cup of tea had they come inside his residence to discussed these issues in a better way. Showing his inability to extend necessary courtesies at this moment, the Chief Minister extended an invitation to come some other day either in his office or residence to have lively discussion on these issues.
Later talking to the media persons, Mr. Badal reiterated his government's zero tolerance towards the drug menace adding he said he would not spare any one from his party provided the Congress men or BJP who were making baseless allegations, must come with a tangible proof to substantiate their claims. He categorically said that he could not take any action against someone without any proof. Referring to the issue of clearing the pending arrears of cane growers, Mr. Badal said that he would soon get the entire matter examined at highest level to ensure its prompt payment without any further delay. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr.Gaggandip Singh Brar. Prominent amongst others who were part of the Congress MLAs delegation included PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa.