Punjab need is to transform from agricultural sector to manufacturing and service sector to attain long term growth with sustainability, which can be done with the efforts to impart skills amongst the masses along with the inclusion of technology (vigyan) was emphaised by Prof. Ashok Vishwadass, Former Chairman, CACP.He also said that Punjab can reclaim its old glory of front runner of holistic development by moving on the path of strcutrural transformation, while delivering his key-note address at the inaugural session of two day UGC National Seminar on ‘Contemporary Issues in Punjab Economy - A Roadmap Ahead’ at Guru Nanak Dev University. This seminar is being oraganizedby Punjab School of Economics at Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan of the University. Scholars and researchers from various institutions are participating in this two dayseminar.Sh. Ajay Narayan Jha, Member, 15th Finance Commission, New Delhi was the guest of honour. Prof. Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor presided over the inaugural session. Prof. KuldeepKaur, Head of Punjab School of Economics welcomed the guests and participants. Prof. Neena conducted the inaugural session.Prof. Dr. Vishandass said that today there is a dire need for Punjab farming to enhance agricultural productivity for generating more income.
Therefore, he emphasized that the need is to reorient governance to enhance farmers’ incomes by placing their prosperity at the centre of the development agenda. He said that World is changing rapidly and Punjab needs to work in a manner to keep pace with the changes.He said that overall, strategy for Punjab agriculture needs to shift towards policies for income augmentation and wealth creation. He said that creation of more and better jobs opportunities can bring prosperity for the societies.Therefore, the need is to make strategies for wealth creation by producing more and more valuable services and products.He said that in the changing scenario, the need is also to meet the challenges and opportunities of mechanization in different sectors of the economy, especially agriculture. While expressing his concerns over the excessive use of Urea, he emphasied about its proper utilisation to maintain the health of the soil.He said that today there is need for holistic policies for inclusive growth. A coherent agricultural trade policy ought to be rooted for the long term food and nutritional security concerns of the country alongwith promoting farmers interest in the global markets.Sh. Ajay Narayan Jha, Member, 15th Finance Commission, New Delhi said that Punjab is facing weak fiscal health and the state is consistently lagging behind the all India growth rate in GSDP.Sh. Jha said that there is an urgent need for fiscal reformsin the state especially to fulfill the development needs of Punjab to arrest its deterioration in overall ranking in the country in terms of GSDP. Dr. Baljit Kaur presented vote of thanks