The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today urged the Congress led UPA Government to open Fazilka Border for trade with Pakistan and other Central Asian Countries.Talking to journalists on the sideline of Sangat Darshan at village Ghattianwali jattan, Mr Badal said that Punjab was the traditional trade route between India and Arabic Countries, which should be opened to trade again keeping in view the economic aspects of country. He said that Punjab could export Basmati and vegetables to Central Asian Countries as there was a huge demand for Basmati in these countries. Besides that Deputy Chief Minister has also said that the presently only 137 items has been allowed for trade via Wagha-Attari Border, which should be extended up to 1400 items at par with the ports of the country. During sangat darshan, the deputy chief minister announced that to facilitate the farmers and encourage crop persification, the government had decided to provide water for irrigation during all 12 months besides paddy season. He said water was also required for vegetables and cotton production. He said that the irrigation department had been ordered to complete all formalities like increasing capacity of canals in this context.
Replying to a question regarding the inauguration of thermal plants at Goindwal Sahib, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo, Mr Badal said the Punjab was alll set to give the gift of the century to the people of Punjab by making the State the first power surplus state by December this year. He said "i am not a dream seller like Rahul but ensure dreams to come true".Mr Badal also announced the government was all set to release 1.5 lakh tubewell connections from December. Besides that under Atta Dal scheme, beneficiaries would be able to get atta at Rs one kg from next month.The Deputy Chief Minister today presided over Sangat Darshans in Ghattianwali, Hauj Khas, (Mandi Amin Ganj) Roaranwali and redress the grievances of more than 35 village Panchayats . Grants worth Rs 4.11 crore was also distributed to Panchayats by Mr. Badal, mainly for laying CC flooring in streets and water supply in villages.On the complaints of various Panchayats for not getting drinking water, Mr Badal has ordered the officials of Public Health Department to provide drinking water in all villages of Fazilka in a month. He also asked the officials of concerned department to submit report in this regard on weekly basis.It may be mention here that due to heavy rain, Sangat darshana at Ratta Khera, Jandwala and Pakka Kala Wala were cancelled, which would be held later.