long-term ally of the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, has hailed the Central Government’s decision to form NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog by scrapping the Planning Commission with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal describing it as a historic step towards implementing ‘real federal structure’ in the country.
Talking to reporters at Pappi Tarmala, the Chief Minister said that this step would ensure more participation of the States in the policy making framework. He bemoaned that the Chief Ministers of the various States, who were better connected at the grass root level, were hitherto ignored while framing the policies at national level. Badal said that with the formation of NITI Aayog the Chief Ministers would have more involvement in the planning process, which would give boost to the overall development of country and prosperity of its people.
Slamming the Congress for excessive centralisation of powers, Badal said that during the tenure of successive Congress Governments at the Centre, the States had hardly any say in policy formulation, which resulted in lop sided development of the country. Asked about the recent Ordinance brought by the Union Government on land acquisition, the Chief Minister said that paramount importance must be given for safeguarding the interests of the farmers at any cost adding that the developmental works initiated by the Government for the welfare of people should also not get affected due to any reason. Badal also batted for adequate compensation to the farmers whose land was being acquired.
Addressing gatherings in several villages, on the second day of Sangat Darshan program of lambi Assembly segment, the Chief Minister exhorted the people to vow for making the villages clean and green in the coming year. He said that massive efforts need to be made for ensuring proper hygiene and cleanliness in the villages. Badal said that the State Government had already taken path breaking initiatives in this direction but public support was utmost necessary for making this campaign a huge success.
Highlighting the importance of Sangat Darshan program, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that this flagship program of the state government has always been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He said the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and administration, which normally hindered the process of progress.