“Punjab is the only state that can fulfil India’s dream of uniform development by 2047. When Punjab solved India’s food shortage after the 1965 war, it not only solved the problem of our hunger but also fed other countries of the world,” said Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria while addressing the valedictory session of ‘Punjab Vision 2047”, a two-day conclave organized by Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, International President of World Punjabi Organisation and Rajya Sabha MP, in association with the Punjab Development Commission and Panjab University, here today.
Talking about the issue of paddy straw burning and air pollution, Mr Kataria said we have to go beyond the law. “Law cannot be the solution to curbing straw burning. When the gap to sow the next crop after harvesting is so short, how will the farmer clear the field? We have to think of a solution that is acceptable to all and also favourable to the environment,” he added. “Likewise, we have to research on how to stop using agricultural chemicals without losing crop productivity.”
While talking about the need for rejuvenation of Punjab’s economy’s, Mr Kataria said until the law and order problem was solved, investors would avoid coming to Punjab. “We have to think how to engage youth so anti-social elements are not able to misuse them. Educational institutes need to improve their training so they are able to stand on their own feet. Employment is a big solution to many issues including drug addiction,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajya Sabha MP and organiser of Punjab Vision 2047 conclave requested help of the Governor to solve certain issues related to Punjab. “Reopening of Wagah border for trade can help Punjab send its products to Central Asia. Lack of international flights from Mohali and Amritsar is a deterrent to expansion of industry. We also need a minimum support price for crops other than wheat and paddy which can solve the farming and ecological crisis of Punjab,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha MP, spiritual guru and environmental activist Balbir Singh Seechewal lamented the poor state of Punjab’s ecology. “We call ourselves educated but our output can be seen in our river, air and land. When we were less literate, our environment was much safer,” he said. Baba Seechewal also talked about the need for sewage treatment plants (STPs) to recycle and reuse sewage water. “The national green tribunal has already ordered fine on cities which are not treating its sewage. We have already shown how this can be done at low cost by establishing stabilisation ponds for sewage treatment in several villages. The water so treated is reused in irrigation of farms,” he added.
Talking about the pollution regulation system, former member of special task force for Buddha Darya Rejuvenation Project Col. Jasjit Singh Gill said we have to first deal with corruption within the Punjab Pollution Control Board and political interference in functioning of industries.
The session on fiscal prudence saw IAS Ajoy Kumar Sinha stressing on the need to spend the money taken on loan from the market in fields that lead to good returns instead of just on paying salaries.
Chiranjiv Singh, former chief secretary of Karnataka, said Punjab can learn a lot from Karnataka in terms of financial growth. “Karnataka already had a very impressive education system in the 1980s which offered the manpower that helped Bangalore become an IT hub. Punjab should focus on improving primary school education specifically,” he added.
On the issue of out migration of talent from Punjab, Daljeet Singh, chairman of AIPL Ltd, stressed on the need to focus on skill training in green energy which can generate new jobs for the youth. Amrit Singh, Director, Punjab Skill Development Mission, informed the gathering about the online portal that connects workforce with companies for employment opportunities.
