HVK Archives: "Punjab is fighting the nation's war"
"Punjab is fighting the nation's war" - The Indian Express
Jagtar Singh
()
26 July 1997
Title: "Punjab is fighting the nation's war"
Author: Jagtar Singh
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: July 26, 1997
Non-performance, corruption nepotism - the list of allegations against the
Punjab Government is long. The sudden spurt in bomb blasts has added to
the problems of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, raising apprehensions
of revival of militancy which coincides with the Akali Dal-BJP Government
coming to power in Punjab. Badal who has been a votary of more powers, and
even autonomy, to the States, now favours national consensus not only on
countering militancy but also on development issues. He spoke to Jagtar
Singh, spelling out his plans and strategy. Excerpts:
A number of bomb blasts have taken place in Punjab after the Akali Dal-BJP
Government took over in the State leading to apprehensions about the
revival of militancy.
Militancy is a national problem and not a law and order issue concerning
Punjab alone. Punjab is fighting the nation's war though the target of the
forces behind it is Kashmir. International agencies are involved. Punjab
being on the war front, it is directly affected. The entire country should
feel concerned about it and evolve a consensus to fight it.
The police chief earlier maintained that these incidents were not the
handiwork of the Punjab militants and blamed some forces in Kashmir and
Uttar Pradesh. Now it has turned out that the facts are otherwise.
The facts should be placed before the people.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Gurcharan Singh Tohra
blamed the disgruntled elements in the police force for these incidents.
On the other end of the spectrum, BJP MLA Luxmi Kanta Chawla extended
financial help to the detained police officials. Why is there this
contradiction between the coalition partners?
Such controversies should be avoided. We must understand the problem before
making any comment. I request the press also to introspect and go into the
genesis of this problem. That is why I favour a national consensus on such
problems. Not only this problem, I believe there should be a national
consensus on other issues too, including development and unemployment and
the initiative should come from the Centre. The States on their own are not
in a position to tackle these problems. The Centre should import latest
technology and information on behalf of the States.
You favoured opening up the border with Pakistan to allow free trade. What
are your views after the incidents of bomb blasts?
This is an issue concerning the Centre. We are in favour of more trade
facilities with the neighbouring countries. The upgradation of Amritsar
airport to the international standards would facilitate this trade.
Is the bureaucracy not extending full cooperation?
Again, this problem is not confined to Punjab alone. The commitment to job
and the country are no more the priorities. There has to be commitment to
the cause and the country rather than putting self before everything else.
1 was in Israel recently and this small country is a model in economic
development which has been made possible mainly because of commitment at
every level.
You raised the aspirations of the people to a new high during your poll
campaign. To what extent have you been able to implement your agenda?
My government has initiated major development schemes with thrust on
imparting quality education and improving life in the rural areas along
with other measures for various sections of the society.
The focal point scheme aimed at taking the facilities to the doorsteps of
the people in the rural areas is being revived on a war footing from next
month.
Similarly, quality education would be provided through the adarsh schools
(model schools) and this would benefit the children from the weaker
sections who cannot otherwise afford education. The State Government will
fully finance 50 per cent of the students in each school under this scheme.
What about improving the overall system of school education which has been
neglected over the years?
The vacant posts are being filled and other necessary steps are being taken.
What about other promises you made to the people?
The Akali Dal-BJP Government has implemented 90 per cent of the poll
promises. Of course, there was a setback to the implementation of the
revised old age pension scheme.
Now instructions have been issued to go ahead with it. The Government has
provided free electricity and canal water to the farmers. Of course, there
are financial constraints.
The World Bank has opposed supply of tree electricity and canal water. This
has put a question mark on the allocation of a Rs 650-crore loan to Punjab
under the public health scheme.
The World Bank is opposed to all subsidies to the farm sector. The
situation in Punjab, however, is different where the holdings are small.
It should also be seen in the context of diminishing returns in the farm
sector making agriculture uneconomical. The farmers were not getting any
relief. In view of the opposition from the World Bank, the State Government
has decided that the agriculture department would meet this subsidy by
paying Rs 250 crore annually to the Punjab State Electricity Board. We
have tried to convince the World Bank on this issue.
Does Tohra have serious differences with you on several issues?
Not at all. We are working like a team.
Your government is increasingly coming under sharp criticism due to the
interference of your family in the day-to-day administration.
This is not true.
You promised transparency in administration and an end to corruption when
you took over the reigns of the State. Within a few months, there have been
allegations that some of your ministerial colleagues are resorting to
corruption. What action do you envisage against such elements in your Cabinet?
I will take immediate action in case concrete evidence comes to me against
them. So far, such evidence is lacking.
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