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."
The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Crime Branch on Friday registered an FIR against 10 people for defrauding a person of over Rs 23 lakh after informing he had won a SUV and over Rs 12 lakh cash in a lucky draw.
A Class 10 student of a reputed girl’s school in south Kolkata was found dead on Friday in a washroom of the institution with a plastic bag wrapped around her face and injury marks on her left wrist, police said.
Gandhi incited sharp reactions to the tweet he posted to mark the International Yoga Day, whereby he posted a picture of Army’s dog squad doing yoga and captioned it “New India”.
Ushoshi Sengupta said she was returning home along with a colleague in the cab, which was hit by a few bike-borne men who dragged the driver out and roughed him up.
Posters have been put on the roadside walls of Punjab's Mohali district asking Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu to keep his word on quitting politics over last month’s General Elections.
