Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Thursday urged the Congress-led UPA Government to open Fazilka border for trade with Pakistan and other central Asian countries.
“Punjab is the traditional trade route between India and Arabic countries, which should be opened to trade again keeping in view the economic aspects of country,” he said while talking to the journalists on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan at village Ghattianwali Jattan. He said that Punjab could export Basmati and vegetables to Central Asian countries as there was a huge demand for Basmati in these countries. “At present, only 137 items has been allowed for trade via Wagah-Attari Border, which should be extended up to 1,400 items at par with the ports of the country,” he added.
Water for irrigation
Sukhbir, during sangat darshan, announced that the state government had decided to provide water for irrigation during all 12 months besides the paddy season “to facilitate the farmers and encourage crop diversification”.
“Water is also required for vegetables and cotton production. The irrigation department has been ordered to complete all formalities like
increasing capacity of canals in this context,” he added.
1.50 lakh tubewells
Sukhbir also announced that the Government was all set to release 1.50 lakh tubewell connections from December. Besides, under Atta Dal scheme, beneficiaries would be able to get atta at Rs1 kilo.
‘Not like Rahul’
Responding to a question regarding the inauguration of thermal plants at Goindwal Sahib, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo, Sukhbir said that Punjab was set to gift the people of Punjab by making the State the first power surplus State by December this year. “I am not a dream seller like Rahul but ensure dreams come true,” he quipped.