Cong seeks industrial package for border districts of Punjab

Punjab Congress today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to extend special industrial package to six border districts on the lines of three hill states.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Bajwa said industries have been shifting in large numbers from the state.
"Data collected by us in this regard shows that during the past 7-8 years, 274 industrial units from Punjab entailing an investment of Rs 3674.79 core have shifted to neighbouring states primarily due to various taxation benefits under the Industrial Package given to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir by the then NDA government," he said in the letter, a copy of which was also sent to Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Punjab has slipped on economic indicators during the past few years due to very poor fiscal management of the present SAD-BJP government, he stated.
"According to per capita income, today we are in eighth position. Our growth rate is 20th amongst the major states. The state's growth rate in agriculture is only -0.05 per cent. Unemployment level among youths is at an all time high, which is a major cause of concern," he claimed.
"We are grateful to you for clearing Amritsar-Kolkata rail corridor which may boost trade and industry in Punjab. However, we are concerned that Punjab may not be able to attract industry on this point alone if it is at a disadvantageous position with Industrial Package extended to neighbouring states," Bajwa said in the letter.

"Six border districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Pathankot and Gurdaspur are industrially very backward," he said, stressing that the grave situation in these districts can possibly become a breeding place for anti-national activities.