For progressive Punjab, protect farmers, labourers: Johal

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, September 22

Experts from various fields brainstormed on economic, social, political and other problems of Punjab during a seminar organised by Lok Adhikar Lehar, International Democratic Platform (IDP) and Scientific Awareness Forum, at a local hotel on Sunday.

“If we have to save Punjab, we need to fight for the rights of farmers, labourers, shopkeepers, businessmen and all other residents. Without the active participation of all against the menace of drugs, corruption and other problems, Punjab cannot become a progressive state. All those, who want to fight for better Punjab, should come on a joint platform,” said renowned economist Sardara Singh Johl.

Coordinator of Asul Manch said the state needed honest and dedicated leaders to end drugs and other problems from state. “Big corporate houses are robbing the state’s poor with help from the government. Big schemes are being launched in the field of health only to help big companies. Had the government been serious about the welfare of poor farmers and others, suicides of poor would have stopped many years back,” said Dr Amar Singh Azad.

President of the forum Dr A S Mann said the nexus between politicians and mafia had created serious problems for state residents.

“Politicians and bureaucrats want to fill their pockets. They are unwilling to listen to poor and needy residents of the state. We have seen many cases, where residents needed a small help, were made to take repeated rounds of offices of various authorities because corrupt officials were not willing to listen,” said Dr Mann.

He urged all to use the social media to spread awareness about problems of their areas. “We have got solved many issues with the help of social media,” said Dr Mann.