JALANDHAR: Dr.Manmohan Singh, Union Finance Minister, said here Deo.19 that paucity of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of the development plans of Punjab. _ Addressing the Shaheed Parvar Fund function organized by the ‘Hind Samachar group of newspapers IO give relief to families hit by terrorism, Manmohan Singh said the pace of economic development of Punjab would be accelerated.
Dr.Manmohan Singh, while talking to newsmen, said the govern ment would consider rescheduling the debt of states, including Punjab, after the receipt of the report of the Finance Commission.
The Finance Minister said Rs 1,130 crore earmarked for the next ‘annual plan of Punjab was not the final figure. Asked whether Punjab’s debt would be waived, Dr.Manmohan Singh said the issue had been referred to the Finance Commission.
Defending the new economic policy, he said the inflation had come down, imports had decreased and exports increased. The industry had also been given the opportunity to grow by reducing bank interest rates.
Dr.Manmohan Singh said the Prime Minister was committed to solving the Punjab problem; buta solution had to be found which ‘Was based on justice and fair play. It had also to be acceptable to both Punjab and Haryana. He said people should not extend any help to the forces which encouraged militancy and secessionism, Economic development was only possible if there was peace in Punjab. Dr.Manmohan Singh called upon the people to help orphans whose parents had been killed. He said he would meet the Union Home Minister to extend help to these children through the National Foundation of Communal Harmony.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 24, 1993
