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."
Haseen Jahan, estranged wife of cricketer Mohd Shami, was taken into custody by police in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh after she reached her husband’s house and created a ruckus. She was later released on bail.
The BJP attacked Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday for his “one wrong vote can make your children ‘chaiwala’ or ‘chowkidar’” remark, saying the Punjab minister has insulted the hardworking, common people of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Monday that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and will desert their party once the BJP wins the General Election.
The couple were returning from Jagadhari in Haryana to Ludhiana when the Mahindra Bolero they were travelling in collided with a combine harvester on the Amritsar-Delhi highway.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday described Sunny Deol, who recently joined the BJP, as a “filmi fauji”, in an apparent reference to the Bollywood actor’s popular war film, ‘Border’.
