Jaitley roots for setting up AIIMS in Amritsar

After campaigning for over two weeks in Amritsar, BJP candidate Arun Jaitley has advocated infrastructure development including health care facilities and promotion of tourism in the historic city.
Tourism will always remain a mainstay economic activity in the city, he wrote in his campaign diary "Amritsar as I see it".
Jaitley has also suggested setting up of an AIIMS at Amritsar. "The promise of establishing an AIIMS in every state has to be materialised. Amritsar with a legacy of medical colleges could be an ideal location for AIIMS," he said.
The social infrastructure of Amritsar requires multiple categories of health care -- both public and private, he added.

Seeking better road, rail and air connectivity for development of tourism, he said, "Direct international flights are the need of the hour. A good airport needs to be better connected".
He said the economy of Amritsar primarily depends on tourism, industry and trade. "The main industrial activity has to be around the creation of a textile cluster, the agricultural implements industry, the rice mills, embroidery, jewellery, decorative items and footwear. These clusters need to be supported by the State."

He said the expansion of the industrial corridor to Amritsar can add to the spurt in economic activity in the city. This should be accompanied by creation of suburban townships.

"I visualise an Amritsar which is connected on all sides by large highways, a city where the internal infrastructure needs to be hugely improved and where basic facilities need to be provided to a section of the people. There are large sections which still require connectivity for water, sewage and proper roadways."
Mentioning about the local food, he said "The food of Amritsar is an essential part of its soft power. Establishment of Food Streets and a Food Village which opens into the late hour of the evening can add to the charm of the city.
A no traffic walkway food street or food village where traditional items of Punjab are sold, can be a great tourist attraction. It can reflect the personality of Amritsar, he said.