Facing criticism from the opposition parties over limiting himself to only making announcements in the run up to impending Assembly polls, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday threw an open challenge to the opposition, asking them to list a decision
during his tenure, which has not been implemented on the ground.
Accusing Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal of indulging in mudslinging, Mr. Channi said criticism for the sake of mere criticism is not only unethical but undesirable. “Mr. Kejriwal should not to be envious of my pro-people agenda rather should implement his model of welfare and development in his own State Delhi,” said Mr. Channi here as he presented his Government’s ‘report card’ related to status of implementation of Government announcements made during past 72 days since he assumed the office on September 20, 2021.
“As many as 60 decisions have been implemented in the letter and spirit. Several path-breaking decisions have been taken in the power sector including waiver of arrears of domestic electricity consumers upto 2 KW load thus benefitting nearly 20 lakh families with a relief of ₹1500 crore. Likewise, Power prices have also been reduced by ₹3 per unit for domestic consumers with load up to 7 KW benefitting over 69 lakh families with a relief of ₹3316 crore per year. Apart from these, the Government has also decided to abolish Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Under Mera Ghar Mere Naam scheme for proprietary rights within ‘Lal Lakir’, 4846 households have been benefitted across 55 villages. Similarly, allotment of up to five-marla plots to the eligible families in rural areas is being undertaken in a mission mode,” he said.
“In order to ensure Government jobs to Punjabi youth, the State Government has decided to make Punjabi mandatory up to tenth level for all jobs under the Punjab Government-Boards etc.. Several labour friendly decisions have also been taken by the State Government including; to provide ₹3100 as special assistance for 3.7 lakh construction workers...Besides, in a bid to reduce burden of taxation on people, petrol prices have been reduced by ₹10 per litre and diesel by ₹5 per litre thus passing the relief to the tune of ₹3200 crore to the citizens of the State. Apart from this, VAT Assessment of more than 40,000 cases has been waived-off and VAT demand created in 8000 cases to be settled at 30% of the tax due,” he said.
