‘We have to assess strengths and weaknesses of Punjab to revive its economy and cultural heritage,’ says Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney on inaugural day of Punjab Vision 2047 Conclave
‘New developmental policies by state government will start showing results soon,’ says Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
“Punjab is the same state which turned India self-sufficient in food grain and eliminated hunger. We can turn the corner and excel again,” said Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the inaugural day of ‘Punjab Vision 2047”, a two-day conclave organised by the World Punjabi Organisation in association with the Punjab Development Commission and Panjab University, here today.
Addressing the gathering of luminaries from the field of policy making, goverance, businsses and social sector, Mr Cheema talked about the new developmental policies the state government has formulated. “We will see the results of these policies in the next couple of years which will rejuvenate the state’s economy. With the initiation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, industrial and agricultural states like Punjab have seen a dip in revenue because GST is a destination based tax. This means states with low industrial and agricultural output and hence higher consumption collect more tax,” he added.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who was the guest of honour for the inaugural session, listed out thematic sectors which need attention for the state to prosper. “This is a land of resilience, courage, brotherhood and community and the state government is committed to overall development in each sector,” he said.
Organiser of the conclave, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney expressed hope that Punjab has all the potential to embark on an era of sustainable economic growth and cultural rejuvenation. “We have to learn from our positives as well as the wisdom of our past to guide us towards prosperity. The need is to assess our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats,” he stressed.
The first plenary session saw writers, journalists and historians delved into Punjab’s rich historical and cultural heritage and the current challenges.
Literary historian Rakshanda Jalil lamented the loss of Urdu language in Punjab while veteran journalist and poet Nirupama Dutt talked about caste and gender-based discrimination prevalent in the state. Ramesh Inder Singh, eminent author and retired IAS officer highlighted the need for diversification of Punjab’s economy.
The session on governance focussed on the need for strengthening transparency, accountability and participatory policy making.
Talking about the steps taken by the state government, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said the recent agricultural policy was formulated with participation of farmers and similar initiatives are being taken in other fields. “The government is also committed to ecological restoration. This is the first time in so many years that Punjab’s canal network has been improved and groundwater table rose,” he added.
Retired IAS S S Boparai stressed that Punjab’s industry can be revived easily by opening Wagah border from where products can be easily exported to Middle East and other parts of the world.
The session on Punjab’s farming landscape saw a lively discussion on ways to tackle prevailing challenges, enhance productivity and promote sustainable growth.
Noted commentator Devinder Sharma emphasised that Punjab is suffering due to industrialised agriculture based on high chemical inputs which have contaminated the environment. “Unless people demand healthy and safe food, you would not find it. We have to also incentivise farmers to save the environment through natural farming,” he asserted.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudiyan talked about the need to offer support to poor farmers and farm labourers.The panel on Punjab’s industry saw several industry leaders joining heads to explore strategies to rekindle manufacturing and reclaim global markets.
