The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal today stressed that the Punjab is fully prepared for a sustained democratic and peaceful fight for justice over the critical state issues affecting the destiny of coming generations.Interacting with the media here today after paying his obeisance during barsi (anniversary) of Sant Ram Singh Giarvi Waley, he made it amply clear that Punjab does not have a drop of water to spare and there is no question of Punjab accepting or implementing any decision which deprives state of its just right under the settled Riparian principle. He reiterated that he was prepared to make any sacrifice rather than allow a single drop of water to flow out of the state. Lambasting congress, he said that the meek surrender of Punjab's rights by the state government of this party had resulted in discrimination and meting out of step motherly treatment towards state.
Commenting on the budget, Deputy Chief Minister termed it as development oriented, visionary and progressive one which would go a long way in ensuring all round development in all sectors. He said insurance cover to 11 lac farmers under Bhagat Puran Singh Bima yojna and setting up a Kisan Vikas Chamber at Mohali would surely work wonders for farming community and interest free crop loan to the tune of Rs 50000 to farmers and launching farmers provident fund-compensation scheme would certainly reduce cases of farmers suicides.S. Badal further said Rs 1100 crore for old age and other pensions and Rs 1060 crore for SCs, BCs and minorities besides an outlay of Rs. 2339 crore for social security have been earmarked which reflects the SAD-BJP government’s commitment of development for all.Among others present on the occasion included rural development minister Sikandar Singh Maluka, chairman Punjab health systems corporation Baljinder SIngh Brar, Sant Arjun Singh Giarvi Waley and Sant Taminder Singh Kahna Dhesian.