Punjab government not to purchase banned Pusa 44 variety of paddy: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann
Patiala: Chief minister
Bhagwant Mann
on Wednesday said the state govt would not purchase the
water-guzzling paddy variety
Pusa 44, which had been banned by the govt. He said anyone sowing this variety would do so at their own risk.
Replying to media queries on Wednesday, Mann said the govt had already declared that farmers could go ahead with short-term varieties, including PR 126, 127, 128, or PR 129. However, Pusa will not be purchased as it takes 152 days, and if anyone is sowing the banned water-guzzling variety, they will be responsible for it, he added.
There are reports that some farmers are preparing their nursery to sow the long-duration Pusa 44 variety after obtaining seeds from the neighbouring state of Haryana, said Mann.
Replying to a query on the political outcry over the appointment of non-Punjabis as chairpersons of various boards, Mann condemned former deputy CM and Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying that during their rule, the SAD appointed the Punjabi University VC from Delhi.
"Punjabiyat is our mission. The opposition leaders are even making false propaganda that residents from Haryana are getting jobs in Punjab, but we are giving jobs to Punjabis and have made the Punjabi written test compulsory for govt jobs.
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Sometimes, we have to bring 'specialists' from other states. Our specialists from Punjab are working in other states. Four Punjabis have become ministers in foreign nations," the CM highlighted.
Earlier, Mann addressed a gathering after reviewing ongoing development works in Ghanouri Kalan, Ghanour Khurd, Kataron, and Changali villages. He said various govt departments were working in coordination with each other for the welfare of the rural population.
Mann said Punjab lived in its villages and that the ultimate goal of a progressive and vibrant Punjab could only be achieved through clean and green villages. He said the state govt had already placed major emphasis on achieving this goal.
"Dhuri will be developed as a model city through holistic development, backed by adequate funding. The city will soon be equipped with world-class healthcare and educational facilities, improved roads, clean ponds, water recharging systems, and canal water irrigation.
Significant resources have already been allocated to ensure the comprehensive development of villages in the segment. There is no shortage of funds for development, and the state govt is making all possible efforts to ensure the holistic progress of villages," said the CM.
"A detailed roadmap has been drafted to boost ongoing development efforts in both urban and rural areas. In addition to development, efforts are being made to place the state on a path of high economic growth for the benefit of its people," he added.
The CM revealed that a total of Rs 13.98 crore had been issued for 129 development projects in these panchayats, out of which 93 projects worth Rs 8.67 crore had been completed.
He further said 36 projects worth Rs 5.31 crore were currently in progress and would be completed soon. Furthermore, based on the needs of the five village panchayats, an additional grant of Rs 12.19 crore had been issued for 32 more development projects, said Mann.
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