‘Punjab Vision 2047’ Conclave: First session sees talk on state’s rich culture, current challenges

“Punjab is the same state which made India self-sufficient in foodgrain and eliminated hunger. We can turn the corner and excel again,” said Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the inaugural day of ‘Punjab Vision 2047”, a two-day conclave. It is being organised by the World Punjabi Organisation in association with the Punjab Development Commission and Panjab University here today.

Addressing the gathering of luminaries from the field of policy making, governance, businesses and social sector, Cheema talked about the new development policies the state government has formulated. “We will see the results of these policies in the next couple of years, which will rejuvenate the state’s economy. With the initiation of the GST regime, industrial and agricultural states like Punjab have seen a dip in revenue,” he added.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who was the guest of honour for the inaugural session, listed out thematic sectors which needed attention for the state to prosper. “This is a land of resilience, courage, brotherhood and community and the state government is committed to overall development in each sector,” he said. Organiser of the conclave Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney expressed hope that Punjab had the potential to embark on an era of sustainable economic growth.

The first plenary session saw writers, journalists and historians delve into Punjab’s rich historical and cultural heritage and current challenges. Historian Rakshanda Jalil lamented the loss of Urdu language in Punjab, while veteran journalist and poet Nirupama Dutt talked about caste and gender-based discrimination prevalent in the state. Ramesh Inder Singh, eminent author and retired IAS officer highlighted the need for diversification of Punjab’s economy.

The session on governance focused on the need for strengthening transparency, accountability and participatory policy making. Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said the recent agricultural policy was formulated with participation of farmers. “This is the first time in so many years that Punjab’s canal network has been improved and groundwater table rose,” he added. Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian talked about the need to offer support to poor farmers and farm labourers.