Akali Govt gave 'step motherly' treatment to industry: Singla

Congress candidate from Sangrur Lok Sabha seat Vijay Inder Singla today criticised the ruling SAD-BJP alliance for "step motherly" treatment given to the industry sector in Punjab.
"Akalis have not been taking adequate steps for employment generation through industrial promotion activities in the state," Singla, who is seeking re-election, said addressing a public meeting.
No wonder, he observed, that industrial houses were not keen to invest in Punjab.
"Only lip sympathy is being given... Investor summits are only a public relations exercise of the Akali-BJP government which the state's citizens are well aware of," he said.
Singla said a meagre Rs 52 crore have been spent as Plan Expenditure for industry in the 11th Five Year Plan (2007- 2012) by the Akali-BJP government which is about 0.15 per cent of total plan expenditure of Rs 32,000 crore.

He said no wonder that the state is confronted with rising unemployment and youths getting demoralised.

Singla said arrogant and highhanded attitude of the state government and administration was not providing a healthy work environment for business to flourish in this bordering state of Punjab and was further compounded by the irrational and high taxation policies being followed by the state.
He said there was a need to develop skilled manpower and investment in higher education was necessary to draw industries to the state.
Singla hoped that elections would be free and fair in Punjab and requested the state Chief Electoral Officer to set up a 24-hour special cell for receiving and acting on complaints of distribution of money, drugs and liquor.