Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today reiterated the resolve of Shiromani Akali Dal to extend full security cover to the Sikh families based in other states.Addressing a press conference at Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr. Badal termed the attack on a Sikh family by a group of men at their farm in Loria village of Bhuj district in Gujarat early this morning, as unfortunate. He said that “we are already in touch with Mr. Narender Modi and Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal would speak to him in this regard and adequate steps would be taken to secure the Sikh families settled in other states”.On being asked about the NRI industrialists keen on investing in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the Punjab government would hold a prestigious two-day Progressive Punjab-Global Investment Summit on December 9 and 10 at Mohali with a view to showcase investment opportunities available in the state in various sectors, especially in IT (information technology) and electronics. He said investment opportunities and offers from the state government would be unveiled at this summit.
Quoting the World Bank study on the most favored and easy destinations for trade and business, Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of pride that Ludhiana was identified ahead of Delhi, Ahmadabad and other major cities for business and trade. Referring to the demands of the Industrialists of Steel Industry of Mandi Gobindgarh, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the difficulties being faced by them were being examined and under consideration of the government.In reply to another query on VAT, Mr. Badal said that a people friendly Reform Policy aimed at simplifying the entire procedure would be unveiled by next month. On regularization of illegal colonies in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the campaign launched by the state government has invoked a good response and as many as 1 lakh applications were received in one week. To facilitate the public, the date has also been extended. There would be a visible improvement in the basic infrastructure and other assured essential amenities with the regularization of illegal colonies in Punjab, he added. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the most comfortable and prosperous states in the coming years.
Earlier Mr. Joginder Pal Singla assumed charge as Chairman of District Planning Committee in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Justice Retd. Nirmal Singh MLA Bassi Pathana and Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal and Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon Akali leader. Later addressing a massive rally, Mr. Badal gave a clarion call to the entire rank and file of Shiromani Akali Dal and Bhartiya Janta Party to ensure crushing defeat of the Congress led UPA in the ensuing general elections. He hoped that the Congress party would be completely demolished from the political scene of India as the people have clearly understood the anti people policies which have destroyed country’s financial health. He also said that SAD was the only secular party which has given due respect to every religion and the workers within the party.