Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today declared that Punjab government will develop Ranjit Sagar Dam and lake as an international tourist destination which is ideally suited for water sports activities and eco-tourism as Shivalik (Dhauladhar) Tourism Development Board (SDTDB) had already been established by the state in this regard.He also informed that a pre-feasibility report had also been prepared on this major project where possible activities at various locations around the lake site would be provided which includes star category eco resorts, convention center, water based and adventure activities etc. Mr Badal was addressing a huge gathering of traders here today after launching traders' health insurance scheme which would facilitate them to get free accidental death and disability cover of Rs.5.00 lacs, health insurance cover of Rs. 50,000 (including family members) besides fire insurance cover of Rs.5.00 lacs.
Elaborating more Deputy CM said about 2.33 lakh dealers would be benefited with turnover upto Rs. one crore under this unique scheme. He informed that coalition government was committed for the welfare of all sections of the society including traders, farmers, youth and underprivileged sections. He stressed that it was the SAD-BJP government who have always accorded top priority to maintain communal harmony and peace in the state besides ensuring its holistic development.Expressing satisfaction over the landmark development works and historic achievements, Mr Badal asserted that Punjabis would feel proud of the achievements of SAD-BJP tenure which had made Punjab a leading state. Mr Badal appealed the people to vote on the performance of SAD-BJP combine in the next assembly elections and assured that State would witness a complete transformation in urban and rural infrastructure besides basic amenities.
Talking about strengthening of basic infrastructure, he said after making the Punjab a first power surplus state, now the SAD-BJP government has set the target to connect all major cities with 4-6 lanes with an investment of Rs. 22,000 crore. Besides this, Punjab would provide 100 percent water supply and sewerage facilities in all the towns. He informed that state government would recruit more than 1.13 lakh youth in all major departments in the coming months.Deputy CM reiterated his commitment that no dearth of funds would be allowed to hamper the developmental activities being carried out by the government. He informed that state government had launched various welfare initiatives which includes Atta-Dal, pension scheme, shagan scheme, mukh mantra tirath yatra scheme, power subsidy of 6000 crore per annum to farmers in lieu of free power, tubewell connections for farmers with less than 2.5 acres land, skill centers for youth and releasing of 1.65 lakh tubewell connections.Urging the opposition parties not to mislead the people on fiscal position, he added that even progressive nations took productive debt to bolster their economies. Clearing the mist over the misnomer that Punjab was burdened with heavy debt, the Deputy CM stated that Punjab was still amongst the least indebted states in the country.
Commenting on drubbing the Punjabis as druggists by the opposition Mr Badal said it was the Punjab government who have confiscated huge quantities of narcotics smuggling from across the international border which were to deliver in other states. He said instead AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal should thank Punjab government for its concerted efforts in seizing huge amounts of drugs before it could reach Delhi, adding he said Punjab was fighting nation's war to curb the menace of narco-terrorism.Announcing a grant of Rs. one crore for development works in the town, he informed that Punjab had already spent Rs. 732 crore in Pathankot since its inception as a district. Mr Badal, who also holds sports portfolio, declared that during 6th edition of World Kabbadi Cup-2106, international kabbadi matches would also be held in the new stadium here which was being constructed at a cost of Rs. 8 crore.Among others present on the occasion included CPS Sarup Chand Singla, MLAs Ashwani Kumar and Seema Rani, Additional Chief Secretary DP Reddy, ETC Rajat Aggarwal, Chairman Punjab Traders' Board Narotam Dev Ratti, DC Amit Kumar and SSP Rakesh Kaushal.