NEW DELHI: S Tal The lower House on Wednesday passed the Punjab budget for 1990-91, with the Finance Minister Prof. Madhu Dandavate, asserting that the government would do everything to restore the “hurt psyche” of the people of Punjab, particularly the Sikhs.
Replying to a two day debate on Punjab budget, the finance minister said the government has been following a two pronged policy, combining firmness with flexibility. While it would look into the genuine problems of the people. It would firmly deal with militancy.
“Whoever talks of secessionism in Punjab should know that the partition of the country in 1947 was the first and last and India would stand united and would never allow the partition of the country”, Prof. Dandavate declared.
The House also passed the relevant appropriation bill. The budget for Punjab for the current fiscal year would give a surplus of Rs 51.94 crore and taking into account the opening deficit of Rs 51.94 crore, the year would close with a ‘nil’ balance.
On elections to the state assembly, the finance minister said the options range from revival of the assembly after a verdict by the court, president’s rule and holding of a free and fair elections. He said the government would, however, be guided by the consensus of The House and also of the political environment in the state for holding a fair and free election.
He said the government would not hesitate to hold elections if situation improved in the state. He warned that “bullets could never be a substitute for ballet.”
Article extracted from this publication >> September 14, 1990
