MUKTSAR: In the first major step to accelerate the pace of development in Punjab, the Chief Minister, Harcharan Singh Brar, Oct.16 declared that the historic town of Mukisar and Nawanshahr would henceforth be new districts, taking the total number of districts in the state of 16. Besides, he extended wide-ranging concessions worth about Rs 100 crore to the farming community.
Addressing a mammoth public gathering at the town, which has returned him and his family members to power since 1957, Brar said the foundation stones shall be laid on November 7, the birthday of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He also announced a sharp reduction in power tariff for farm tube wells from Rs 65 per horse power to Rs 50 per horse power. This measure alone would make electricity cheaper by 8 to 10 paise per unit.
In view of the paddy harvesting sea son and the difficulties being faced by farmers in getting a good price, the minister announced Rs 5 per quintal as bonus for the five variety taking its price to Rs 380 per quintal. Besides, he abolished the two percent sales tax ‘on pesticides, which would save Rs 5 crore for the peasants. Furthermore, he deferred electricity bills to be paid by the farmers in the flood affected areas. He said his government had also decided to waive farmer’s loans for flood damage to their crops to the extent of the loss suffered by them but said its quantum must await the crop survey report.
He withdrew a recent hike in patient charges in government hospitals and dispensaries. He added that the poor shall be provided free consultation but they would have to purchase medicines, He announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for the new hospital to be built here.
The Chief Minister further announced that a sum or Rs 125 crore would be spent on road repairs in the state during the current financial year, In order to encourage setting up of industries in the area, he declared Mukatsar an industrially backward area to attract new units on the basis of various concessions.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 20, 1995
