Capt Amarinder meets Modi, seeks to export surplus power
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the Centre's support in reviving Punjab's economy. He said that the state could export surplus power to Pakistan and Nepal to aid state coffers. He also sought packages for farmers and concessions for industry. He said the Centre's intervention would help boost Punjab's ailing economy.
Punjab economy on life-support
The economy of Punjab is ailing under high unemployment and low growth rates. Over exploitation of the water table and unfavourable weather conditions also severely affected the agricultural sector in previous years. Low investments have also dampened prospects for an industrial revival in the state. The presence of well organized mining mafia has further affected operations of legally regulated mines in the state.
What were Amarinder Singh's demands?
Amarinder Singh requested adequate compensation packages for farmers in border areas, as well as better border management. He also requested PM Modi to issue industrial concessions to Punjab along the lines of those given to Himachal Pradesh. He said Punjab had a surplus power output of 1000vMW, which could be exported to Pakistan or Nepal and help generate revenue for the state.
BPOs in Patiala?
Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad invited Punjab to be a part of the Digital India revolution. He asked Amarinder to pitch for centrally-funded projects in Business Process Outsourcing and electronic manufacturing. He discussed the possibility of setting up a BPO in Patiala too.
