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 high-voltage poll season, Savita Bhatti, wife of famous comedian late Jaspal Bhatti, on Monday announced special ‘tuitions’ as a satire on the coming Lok Sabha elections.
The former chief minister was reacting to the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto, in which the party has reiterated its commitment to abrogate Article 370 and annul Article 35A of the Constitution.
"Some in my family have also been prime ministers but the respect that Narendra Modi has earned for the nation was never done before," said Gandhi, who is contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls from neighbouring Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi.
Holding a second briefing in two days, IAF's assistant chief of staff Operstions (space) R.G.K. Kapoor said that multiple evidences show that two aircraft went down on February 27 a day after IAF carried out air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Pakistan's Balakot.
A number of government welfare schemes like Ujjwala find mention in these five-minute documentaries that also talk about border security and creation of a new India.
Rajan Palakkundu Parambil, a 53-year-old worker from Malappuram in Kerala, was employed by a contracting company in Najran, a Saudi city that shares a border with Yemen, the Saudi Gazette reported.
