Punjab to file PIL to seek complete ban on poppy husk farming

Grappling with a serious narcotics problem, Punjab government today said it will soon file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court to seek a complete ban on poppy husk farming.
"Soon Punjab government will move the Supreme Court against poppy husk cultivation and seek a uniform policy throughout the country," Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal said here.
Sukhbir said Rajasthan government's step to close down poppy husk vends was a welcome step and the need of hour was to implement a uniform policy throughout the country.
He also announced that under a new scheme pensioners will not have to go to government offices to get pension.

"In villages, panches and sarpanches and in cities, municipal councillors will give a final shape to the scheme so that no beneficiary will have to run from pillar to post for pension," he said.
Badal also said Punjab government will soon start giving a pension of Rs 1,000 per month to 'Sangharshi Yodhas' and those who served jail term during the Emergency. He said under this scheme, the action plan to give pension has been completed and very soon the same will be launched.
On Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh's interactive session 'Coffee With Captain' with the youth, Badal said, "Only Congress, which has twice been rejected by masses in Punjab, needs such strategies.