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."
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Friday paid obeisance at the Golden temple before heading to their respective parliamentary constituencies to file their nomination papers.
A biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi can’t hit cinema halls until the last phase of polling was over on May 19 as the Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the Election Commission’s decision not to allow its release during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
In a court hearing on Friday, the company said that the farmers could use its seeds and sell the produce to the company on terms it already offers to other farmers in the state.
In the audio clip, the woman can be heard saying that newborn girls are sold for Rs. 2.75 lakh and "if the babies are fair and good looking, they are sold for Rs. 3 lakh."
