Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday gave further impetus to investment promotion by firming up investments from Nebula Group, a major company of Canada. 

During an interaction with President and Chairman of the group Raman Khatra, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that company has evinced keen interest to set up a food processing plant where by the produce of tomato, citrus fruits, juices, potato will be mobilised from the surrounding area of 10,000 hectares thereby increasing the life span of frozen and fresh food products with the use of ozone. He said that the company will export the perishable and fresh items by increasing their shelf life with the help of ozone technology. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that tie up with Markfed and Punjab Agro will be ensured to benefit the farmers in a big way adding that the company will set up plant near Doraha which will ensure jobs to youth too.

Mann also said that the company will use it expertise to clean Budha Nalla in Ludhiana with their latest technology. He said that company will remove impurities that cause cancer on Indian native reserves and with the help of Nebula Ozonation at Nano level, the proposal is to successfully remove all cancer causing elements. Mann said that all out efforts will be made to reduce the TDS level of water to less than 100 so that the same can be fit for drinking purpose.

The company also agreed to set up a plant for recycling plastic waste especially bottles to produce pellets. Mann said that it will go a long way in solving the problem of plastic waste through its management thereby paving way for clean and green environment. He said that state government is committed for boosting investment in the state and no stone is being left unturned for it. 

Showcasing Punjab as the most preferred investment destination, the Chief Minister said that the state has an industrial friendly government with a real single window system for the well-being of investors. He said that Punjab is a land of opportunities and the leading companies from across the world are making a beeline to invest in the state adding that the Canadian company will also be immensely benefited by investing in the state. Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, industrial peace coupled with congenial atmosphere for industrial growth, which are giving impetus to its overall development, prosperity and progress.

Former BJP MLA joins Congress

PNS Chandigarh

Ahead of the Assembly election, the Congress on Saturday got a boost in Sirsa district as former Kalanwali legislator Balkaur Singh left the BJP and joined the Congress along with supporters. Block Chairman, Zila Parishad members and 40 Sarpanches and former Sarpanches, who came with him, expressed faith in the Congress. On the occasion, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state party chief Chaudhary Udaibhan were present. Hooda said Balkaur Singh has taken the right decision at the right time.

"This decision will oust the BJP from power and increase the majority of the Congress. He and his colleagues will be given full respect in the Congress party," he said.

Earlier, Balkaur Singh submitted his resignation to BJP state president Mohanlal Badoli, expressing dissatisfaction over not receiving due respect within the party and being denied a government position despite his loyalty.

Along with former legislator Balkaur Singh, Block Committee Chairman Gurdas Singh, Sirsa District Zila Parishad member Satgur Dhaliwal and others joined the Congress.

Earlier, sitting BJP legislator from Ratia (SC), Lakshman Dass Napa, quit from all positions in the party after being denied a ticket. He later joined the Congress after meeting Hooda.