Lauding the Union government’s decision to form NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog by scrapping the Planning Commission of India (PCI), the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described it as a historic step towards implementing ‘Real Federal Structure’ in the country.Interacting with the media persons here at the residence of Youth Akali leader Mr. Mandeep Singh Pappi Tarmala, the Chief Minister said that this unprecedented step would ensure more participation of the states in the policy making framework. He bemoaned that the Chief Ministers of the various states, who were better connected at the grass root level, were hitherto ignored while framing the policies at national level. However, Mr. Badal said that with the formation of NITI Aayog the Chief Ministers would have more involvement in the planning process, which would give boost to the overall development of country and prosperity of its people.
Slamming the Congress party for excessive centralization of powers, the Chief Minister said that during the tenure of successive Congress governments at the centre, the states had hardly any say in policy formulation, which resulted in lop sided development of the country. Citing an example, Mr. Badal said that the top brass of erstwhile PCI was not even aware of the problem of water logging then how could they allocate required funds for mitigating the woes of people residing in these areas. “Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi deserves applause for taking this visionary decision, which will transform the destiny of countrymen” he added. Asked to comment on the recent Ordinance brought by the Union government on land acquisition, the Chief Minister said that paramount importance must be given for safeguarding the interests of the farmers at any cost adding that the developmental works initiated by the government for the welfare of people should also not get affected due to any reason. Mr. Badal also batted for adequate compensation to the farmers whose land was being acquired.
Addressing the gatherings in Mahuanna, Tapa Kheda, Deon Kheda, Maniwala, Sheranwali, Roranwali, Tarmala and Bitiwala villages on the second day of Sangat Darshan program of Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister exhorted the people to vow for making the villages clean and green in the coming year. He said that massive efforts need to be made for ensuring proper hygiene and cleanliness in the villages. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already taken path breaking initiatives in this direction but public support was utmost necessary for making this campaign a huge success. the Chief Minister further said that the people of south western Punjab were facing a lot of hardships due to the chronic problem of water logging adding that the state government has already initiated a number of steps to eradicate this menace from the state. However, he said that the farmers of water logged areas of the state must adopt allied farming activities like fisheries, which was having a tremendous scope in this region.
Mr. Badal apprised the people that the state government has taken a number of steps to encourage fisheries in this region.Highlighting the importance of Sangat Darshan program, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that this flagship program of the state government has always been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He said that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and administration, which normally hindered the process of progress. Mr. Badal further said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments.
“The Sangat Darshan helps us to evaluate the performance of the officers which further facilitates us to provide effective, accountable and transparent governance to the people” he added.Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the computer laboratory at State Institute of Automotives and Driving Skills at Mahuana. Similarly he also felicitated bright students and NCC cadets at the village during Sangat Darshan. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, OSD to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Satinderjit Singh Manta, Member Punjab Women Commission Bibi Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.