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It
may be noted that the interests of Punjab are much more
important that the whims of political parties including
the ruling junta. Dilemma of Mr. Manpreet Badal is some
what similar to that of Arjuna in Kurukshetra in taking
harsh fiscal measures for the development of the state.
Punjab needs to put an end to the regime of non productive
spending by the government except for the poor and
economically weaker sections of the society. There is no
fun of pleasing well to do classes just to get more votes.
It is not prudent for the long term future of the state.
State needs to spend more on enhancing the living standard
of the masses. As a matter of fact 70 percent of Punjab
population is deprived of basic hygienic conditions of
standard living.
Resources
saved by reducing subsidies can be used to meet these
disparities. It is highly unfortunate that political
parties in the state do not talk about these problems
aloud and are just bluffing.
Regarding farm subsidy, rich farmers need to be excluded
from the net. Further VAT regime should be broadened after
reexamination but tax rates should be in parity with other
states. People of Punjab must learn to pay for the cost of
facilities offered by state. They can expect better
quality of service from the local governments.
Politicians also need to come out from the illusion that
offering freeships fetches more votes. Unfortunately all
political leaders with ancient bent of mind are trapped in
this falsehood.
Industrialists will not set their mood in Punjab in spite
of best sops in case power cuts are not over. It is
prudent to purchase electricity from surplus states to
meet growth needs.
Mr Manpreet Badal should be given independence by peer
group to prove his business acumen on 11 March. Govt. need
to improve real estate business scenario through flexible
revenue policies. In Amritsar, impact on revenue
collections of the govt by banning power of attorney on
property business may be examined. It is felt that on
certain matters political masters in Punjab are ill
advised by some odd persons. It needs a review.
Mr Manpreet Badal must wave CLU charges on establishment
of school colleges hospitals outside municipal vicinities.
Punjab has every potential to become education and health
hub in India.
Further service industry should be given tax sops in
forthcoming budget so that many Gurgaons Noidas can emerge
near Amritsar, Firojepur Gurdaspur and Bathinda. Punjab
needs diversification from agriculture to more and more of
industrial activities.
Source
: indiainteracts.com - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dated
18/02/2008
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