Chandigarh, Aug 25 (IANS) Ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls, the Sanjha-Sunehra Punjab Manch, comprising individuals from diverse fields, was launched here on Wednesday.
Its convenor and founder K.C. Singh, a former envoy to the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, said the manch wants to focus on challenges facing Punjab today and take the people's views.
"The aim is to solicit the reaction of residents, both in urban and rural areas. This platform will work towards finding solutions to the pressing issues facing the people. We will offer our solutions, but more importantly go to the people and seek their advice. We wish to become the voice of all Punjabis," he said.
The critical issues facing Punjab include farmers' agitation against farm laws, agrarian crisis due to dependence on rice-wheat cycle and its impact on water table and environment, low agricultural growth and deficient investment in industry.
He said there are also issues like poor education facilities, healthcare facilities and housing facilities.
"Equally challenging are issues affecting youth, especially jobs and above all, there is a need for systematic change and ways to check mafias controlling sand extraction, liquor trade, and drugs. Systematic reforms are not possible without Punjab deciding what kind of political leadership it elects. Our aim is to spread awareness about these challenges, possible solutions and a roadmap for a golden future," he added.
Col L.J.S. Gill, who has served in the Indian Army for 24 years and also held senior positions in the corporate world, said: "People who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those who are doing it."
K.S. Aulakh, former Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, said: "Punjab which used to be the number one state on per capita GDP basis 40 years ago has slipped down to the 16th position, fifth most corrupt and most indebted state of India. There is desperation and chaos all around."
In the first encounter in nearly two weeks, a fierce gun-battle broke out this evening between terrorists and security forces in Baramulla area of north Kashmir. This is also the first encounter after abrogation of Article 370 in J&K.
A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Tuesday arrived at the residence of former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidamabaram here after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court.
A Zomato delivery boy's soulful rendition of Bollywood number "Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara" has gone viral on Facebook after it was shared by a customer.
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has called slowdown in the economy “very worrisome” and said the government needs to fix the immediate problems in power and non-bank financial sectors and come out with a new set of reforms to energise private sector to invest.
