Chandigarh, May 26
The Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, backtracked on the issue of opening casinos in the state, saying that “it was against the policy of the Congress”.

Talking to newsmen at a book release ceremony at Punjab Bhavan here today, he said his government initially wanted to open casinos in the state to generate revenue and help improve its financial condition but the party high command opposed the idea. As such no casinos would be opened in the state now.

Referring to the recent hike in power tariff, the Chief Minister said that “power reforms are the need of the hour”. The Punjab State Electricity Board has to check and minimise transmission losses”.

The Chief Minister said the appointment of Chairmen of boards and corporations would be made soon. When asked about the expansion in the Council of Ministers, he said there might be some additions as many ministers were overbooked with more than one departments.

Earlier, Capt Amarinder Singh released a book: “The Global Indian: The Rise of Sikhs Abroad” authored by Mr Gurmukh Singh, a renowned journalist.

Referring to the Sikhs as a global community, the Chief Minister mentioned that they had already established their existence by their grit and stamina in diverse fields.