November 13, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
S. K C Singh, IFS ,former Secretary of MEA & renowned columnist spoke on line at length giving historical perspectives about Punjab’s economy particularly after its reorganization in 1966.
He observed : “despite the fact that Punjabis though known for its hard work and innovative outlook are now laggard in entrepreneurship initiatives. He minced no words while saying that due to poor or no vision of our politicians in framing desired policies. Even our sincere bureaucrats don’t come forward on their own too.
Unfortunately, Punjab’s debt is increasing every year as there is no structural change to harness revenue itself in the state. Punjab’s expenditure on Police ( 10% of public revenue) is the highest in the country. Even OSDs of ministers are carrying a large number of police security guards as status symbols like feudal lords, frittering away the tax money.
We need committed & visionary politicians who understand Punjab’s issues on ground level. Punjab has stopped to 19th place in per capita income. He also decried excessive credit by banks to farmers indebting them beyond their payment capacities. He gave many examples of intensive farming and good income generations by many young farmers who hold small patches of lands.
K B Singh, Director of the center, advocated that farmers need to be encouraged for new entrepreneurship in agriculture on priority basis. Mr Jaspal Singh, General Secretary of the center, spoke about the initiatives being taken to skill the farmers in Agri business .
Dr Sarabjit Singh Renuka from PAU gave a call for austerity in family functions & shunning extravagant marriages to avoid the trap of debt.He called on youth to come forward to eradicate the evil of drug addiction
S.Partap Singh shared many fond memories of Dr Inderjit Singh ‘s working style encouraging youth. S Gurmit Singh while thanking the speakers hoped that Sikh Businessmen and intelligentsia will come forward to guide Punjab’s youth in new startups in the agriculture sector & start a new bank .
Col J S Gill ,while speaking, asked for a sustainable model for agriculture & diversification.
K C Singh vouched Brij Bhushan’s assertion that Punjab’s rejuvenation is possible through cooperatives of farmers which need to be encouraged on urgent basis . This will dispel the fear of corporates,he said.
