Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Tarmala (Lambi), Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has described the Centre’s decision to form NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog by scrapping the Planning Commission as a “historic step” towards implementing “real federal structure” in the country.
Badal, who was here for his Sangat Darshan, targeted the top brass of the Planning Commission claiming they were not even aware of the problem of waterlogging in some areas of Punjab.
Contrary to the Chief Minister’s claims, a Planning Commission team did visit Punjab after Badal approached the UPA leadership with a request for a permanent solution to tackle waterlogging. On October 4, 2013, he even submitted an integrated plan of Rs 3,327.57 crore to the Planning Commission to address problems related to reduced sub-soil water level and for preventing flooding in waterlogged areas of south-west Punjab.
Interacting with mediapersons at Tarmala village today, the Chief Minister said the step to form NITI Aayog would ensure more participation of the states in policy-making.
Badal alleged the chief ministers of various states who were better connected at the grassroots level were so far ignored while framing policies at the national level. “With the formation of the NITI Aayog, the chief ministers will have more involvement in the planning process, which would boost the overall development of the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister slammed the Congress for “excessive centralisation” of powers. He alleged during the UPA regime the states hardly had any say in policy formulation, which resulted in lopsided development of the country.
On the ordinance brought by the Centre on land acquisition, Badal said paramount importance must be given to safeguarding the interests of farmers. He said developmental works initiated by the government for the welfare of the people should also not get affected due to any reason. He said adequate compensation should be provided to the farmers whose land was being acquired.
