CM ANNOUNCES TO LAY MAJOR THRUST ON DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY IN BORDER DISTRICTS OF THE STATE

Pathankot, (Global News) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced a major thrust on the development of the industry in the border districts of the state to further propel the economic activity in the state.

The Chief Minister, while interacting with the industrialists here as a part of the run up of the Invest Punjab Summit slated to take place on February 23-24 at Mohali, slammed the successive governments in the state for completely ignoring the border belt of the state. He said that these governments have completely betrayed the residents of border districts by neglecting their immense contribution for the country. Bhagwant Mann described the residents of border areas as ‘true patriots’ adding that they have braved every odd for the sake of preserving the unity and integrity of the country.

The Chief Minister said that division of the country and wars with Pakistan in the post-independence era had given a fatal blow to the development and prosperity of the border towns of Punjab. He said that these towns which were once the industrial and trading hubs of the undivided Punjab have been now reduced to petty trading centers. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that not only this but the people of these border cities had to bear the brunt of even slightest tension at the border.

However, the Chief Minister bemoaned that instead of recognizing the enormous contribution of these people in preserving the unity and integrity of the country, the previous state governments have completely turned a blind eye towards these areas. He said that these hard working, brave and resilient people of these towns had contributed immensely by developing the industries in the state. However, Bhagwant Mann said that the state governments did nothing to promote their industry.

The Chief Minister asserted that the state government will soon develop a blueprint for comprehensive development of the industry in the border towns. He said that is the need of hour for developing Punjab as ‘hub of industry’ on one hand and opening new vistas of employment for the youth on the other. Announcing a major boost to the Tourism industry across the state by harnessing the immense potential of this sector, Bhagwant Mann, while citing the example of Ranjit Sagar Dam, said that the state is blessed with several natural resources which can be developed into international tourist destinations.