Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said illegal mining was being tackled expeditiously in the State and that strict instructions had been issued to register cases in this regard in case of any complaint. Talking to media persons after participating in the Punjab Cabinet here today, Mr. Badal said that being Home Minister he was personally keeping a tab on illegal mining besides issuing strict directions not to spare anyone indulging in this practice. He said Zonal IG's had been deputed to look into all such complaints. The Deputy CM also informed that an investigation was on to probe the allegations of ‘goonda tax’. Answering a query regarding registration of criminal cases in illegal mining, Mr. Badal said that though the illegal mining has prevailing across the country but Punjab was the only state, where maximum FIRs had been registered against illegal miners.
On being asked about the delay in notification of new Industrial Policy of Punjab, Mr. Badal clarified that the new industrial policy was on anvil. He said that the due to drastic changes as per the recommendations of industrialists the policy had taken some time to take final shape.Predicting NDA’s government at Center after ensuing general elections, Mr. Badal said the electorate of the country was eagerly waiting for the general elections to wipe out the worst Congress led UPA government after independence.When asked about the Congress Party’s propose agenda to field ‘bigwigs’ from Punjab, Mr. Badal ridiculed the statement of congress party and said that SAD was fully prepared for ensuing elections. He said Congress could not open its account in Punjab even after fielding UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi.