Giving a clarion call to the Punjabi Diaspora settled across the globe, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday sought their whole hearted cooperation and support to transform the state’s economy to emerge it as a frontrunner state in the world.
Addressing a massive gathering of Non Resident Indians converged here during NRI Milni, the Chief Minister said that during the early regimes the NRIs faced lot of humiliation in the hands of the officials. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a paradigm shift is being witnessed in the state ever since he has assumed the charge of office as number of initiated have been taken for the welfare of the NRIs. He said that is just the beginning as a lot of path breaking initiatives are being taken to restore the pride of NRIs.
The Chief Minister said that as he hails from a common family and is well connected at the ground level so he is well aware of the problems being faced by the various sections of society. He assured the people that every problem of theirs will be solved and the state government is at their disposal for resolving their every genuine problem. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people.
The Chief Minister said that he has met a number of Ambassadors and Diplomats to rope in the foreign investment in the state. He said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the development of the state so that people are immensely benefitted from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann that the efforts will bear fruits as in the coming times Punjab will emerge as a hub of tourism industry.
The Chief Minister said that the NRI sammelans held during the previous regime were merely a sham as nothing concrete came out of it. He said that NRIs were called in big palaces and hotels but were humiliated afterwards as no one bothered about them. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is holding these functions at scenic locations to showcase rich cultural heritage of the state to the people adding that NRIs must contribute generously for its progress and prosperity.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a blessed land which produces so much wheat and paddy so as to make the country self reliant in food production. However, he said that the earlier leaders had plundered the wealth of the state due to which the state had lagged behind in progress and prosperity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the state government is making strenuous efforts to make sure that Punjab leads the country in every sphere.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab don’t need any NOC of patriotism from anyone especially those in power at centre today. He said that they had rejected the tableaus of the state during Republic Day parade irrespective of the fact 90% sacrifices for freedom struggle were made by Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step motherly treatment against the state is intolerable as they don’t have any right to reject the tableaus of the state showcasing patriotism and nationalism in the state
Punjabis irrespective of caste, colour, creed and their geographical location have proved their mettle in every aspect of life by the grace and blessings of Almighty. He said that probably Punjabi community is the only in the world which could undertake any daunting task by the dint of their hard work, sincerity and commitment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has made concerted efforts to put Punjab in the high growth trajectory in terms of superb infra structure, surplus in power, excellent education and Healthcare facilities.
The Chief Minister said that all this had been feasible due to congenial atmosphere of communal harmony, peace and amity prevailing in the state. He said that coupled with this the unique phenomenon of peaceful atmosphere led Punjab to hasten the process of overall growth and development in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is matter of great pride and satisfaction that g he brave Punjabis for reposing unflinching trust in the ethos of democracy besides cementing the bonds of brotherhood, peace and mutual tolerance.
Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister urged the NRI brethren to contribute enormously in the promotion of education and healthcare services besides strengthening economic and social ties, which was all the more important for our future generations. He said that this milni should not be construed as a ‘formal get together’ rather it should be utilized as a Healthy platform for serious deliberations to translate ideas/ proposals into actions for betterment of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisaged the cooperation of NRIs in the field of education and healthcare to crystallize several schemes and projects in these core sectors.
The Chief Minister said that our government is fully committed to cherish their aspirations for making their living as comfortable and pleasant as abroad to make Punjab as their abode of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is confident that when this process of ‘reverse immigration’ has begun then it will not only halt the emerging trend of brain drain especially amongst the youth, who were passionate to go abroad in search of green pastures but will also contribute significantly in motivating the NRIs to contribute in social economic growth of state. He exhorted the NRIs to play a proactive role for this noble cause to make Punjab a front runner state in the country.
The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government global Bussiness tycoons are making beeline to invest in state. He said that during the last more than 20 months some of the biggest companies like Tata Steel and others had made a beeline to invest in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a step forward for making Punjab a frontrunner state and carving out Rangla Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced unique colour coded stamp papers, which is a step forward towards ushering a new era of Industrial Revolution in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the first state to introduce green colored stamp papers to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units thereby giving much needed fillip to industrial growth of the state. He described it as a revolutionary step aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the entrepreneurs desirous of setting up their units in the state.
The Chief Minister quipped that earlier the industries used to sign MOUs with the families in power but ever since he has assumed charge of government, the agreements are signed for people of state. He said that earlier the affluent families used to get benefit of these agreements but now Punjabis will enjoy its fruits. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is because his government is working untiringly for the well being of every strata of society.
The Chief Minister also impressed upon Punjabi Diaspora to become active partners in the ongoing unprecedented development of Punjab by making investments, adopting villages and cities besides contributing in the area of social welfare. He apprised the Diaspora that Punjab was a most favoured investment destination, progressive and actually a rich-state and they should showcase these facts globally. Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab was the first state in the country to respond NRIs instantly to assist them and resolving their grievances.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that in the last 25 years only two people had ruled the state and exploited its resources for their vested personal interests. He said that out of these five two were from one family whereas two were from another one adding that along with them one person was a Pakistani national. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these people mercilessly looted the state for their vested political interests thereby hampering the development of the state.
Taking a jibe over the Punjab Bachao yatra of Akali Dal, the Chief Minister dared the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state from. He said that Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well aware of the dubious character of the Akalis and Badal family due to which their theatricals won’t work now.
The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.
The Chief Minister said that during the previous regimes people were so scared of success as the leaders used to put share in their ventures. He said that these leaders looted the masses and their hands were soaked with the blood of Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the government of common people is there in the state which is giving chance to every individual to succeed in life.
The Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the NRI brethren for resolving their issues, the state government has launched new website nri.punjab.gov.in of the NRI affairs department. He described it as a path breaking initiative aimed at ensuring the well being of the NRIs on one hand and helping them to stay connected with their roots on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the website has detailed information pertaining to NRI Police wing, Punjab State Commission for NRIs and NRI sabha.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that in another major relief to Non Resident Indians (NRIs), the state government has appointed Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances in a prompt and time bound manner. He asserted that the move was aimed at ensuring that grievances of residents of state were redressed at district level by providing a well structured and empowered Grievance Redressal System to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann revealed that in another significant decision the state government has now decided to appoint Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances.
On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Brahm Shanker Jimpa along with others were also present.