CHANDIGARH: The Punjab on Feb.22, staked its claim over the Yamuna waters, when the Governor, Surendra Nath, told the Vidhan Sabha that the Yamuna waters ought to be taken into account in determining the quantum of water apportioned between the two Successor states of Punjab and Haryana. Addressing the House on the opening day of the budget session, the Governor said the state government was continuing it seamiest efforts to obtain Punjab’ fair share of river waters. At the time when Surplus river waters were apportioned between Punjab and Haryana, the waters of Yamuna Tiver water not Laken into account. The Bharatiya Janata Party boycotted the Governor’s address.

Nath said militancy had almost been wiped out from the face of Punjab within a year and there was tremendous confidence and joy among the people. He gave all credit to the state government and the Chief Minister in particular, He declared that the government would continue to be vigilant and Jaw and order would be maintained firmly. He complimented the security forces for the remarkable success achieved by them in this tough battle.

He said it was almost creditable that in spite of efforts from across the border to create a cleavage between different communities, Punjab had maintained complete communal harmony throughout this dark and difficult period.

The Governor said the government had decided to further strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions particularly the Panchayats at the grassroots level, by giving more powers and functions to Panches and Sarpanches. The Sarpanches would be given adequate powers to exercise control and supervision on the village level functionaries of the government. It had also been decided to enable the panchayats to exercise judicial powers more meaningfully and effectively and if need be, more judicial powers would be given to them, to quickly and effectively administer less extensive justice to the people at their doorsteps.

Planning would be further decentralized to empower Panchayats to make plans for village development at the village level itself. Laminated identity cards would be issued to the Sarpanches.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 26, 1993