NEW DELHI: Prime Minister V.P. Singh, Oct 5 announced a plan of action for Punjab containing an economic package and setting up of a state advisory council to ensure people’s involvement in the administrative apparatus, PTI reports.

Replying to a discussion on the statutory resolution for extension of president’s rule in the state, Singh reiterated his govt’s commitment for early restoration of the democratic process in the state.

Federal govt extended its rule in the state for the 9th time after an amendment in the constitution to this effect was passed in the parliament.

According to competent observers have this is a blatant attempt to buy out the Sikh youth, They feel it is too little and much too late. The issue was economic 10 years ago. Today it is an entirely different problem.

Prime Minister said the advisory council, to be headed by the governor, will consist of all members of parliament from Punjab and representatives of political parties in the state, It will have the authority to constitute committees of different interest groups like farmers, traders, labourers and ex-servicemen, and would meet twice a month,

In addition, there will be district advisory councils for redressal of public grievances involving people’s representatives.

Prime Minister said the govt will draw an S year programme of development of 3 border districts of the state with a view to making them “no unemployment district.”

Singh said the govt will give a special grant of Rs 100 crore to upgrade human resource development facilities in the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur, of which Rs 50 crores will be for general education and Rs 25 crores each for technical education and health and medical facilities.

Prime Minister said a petrochemical complex, 5 sugar mills and 4 textile mills will be set up in the state.

He said the govt had also decided to set up a national institute for pharmaceutical education and research at Mohali, a research and development institute for rerolling industry at Gobind garh and a research and development institute for electrical appliances at Rajpura.

Prime Minister said work on the Thein Dam will be speeded up and steps will be taken to expedite negotiations on the interstate disputes regarding sharing of river waters.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 12, 1990