Jaitely express deep concern about plight of farmers

AMRITSAR : Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely here today expressed deep concern over the present plight of farmers in the State as well in the country.
Addressing the Public rally here today, Jaitely said it is matter of deep concern as farmers plight in the State was not good enough as agriculture profession slipping into loss day by day.He said in the last cabinet meeting, first time in the history of nation, Union Government has earmarked rupees fifty crore exclusively for the Irrigation system in the nation. He said that if State Governments come forward to utilize or channelize the funds it would bring enormous change in positive direction in the field of agriculture as it would also give new face to farming sector in the nation.
He said today he visited the Meritorious School run by Punjab Government where during formal interaction with students none of the student was willing to join profession of agriculture as they were showing their interest to become doctor, engineer or to join army but nobody was willing to begin his life carrier with profession of farming, so it was in fact matter of deep concern.He said that Union Government was also planning for crop insurance so that farmers could get adequate amount in case crops damaged due to certain reasons.He appreciated the Punjab and Punjab Government for housing numerous heritage sites to preserve and maintain them. He said many heritage sites belonged to various religions but State Government given due respect to all religion places. He also appreciated Punjab Government for putting Rs. 200 crore for Ram Tirath Temple in Amritsar for its maintenance and renovation.Talking about Highways in Punjab he said that Punjab has good highways connectivity due to good networking and Centre would never hesitate to sanction more adequate funds for bringing more improvements in the highways and road networking in Punjab.
Talking about alliance of SAD/BJP said besides political alliance it is also social alliance as both always put hard efforts jointly to bring out the State from turmoil period that earned peace today. He said alliance always work hard to bring peace and prosperity in the State. Now present situation in Punjab could become era of development in future.
Earlier, delivering his speech at the 108th convocation of 123 year old Khalsa College, Amritsar in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Mr. Jaitley motivated the students to proceed with the motto of ‘excellence’ in their academic career to become a partner in the growth of the nation.
Emphasising on the need to impart quality education, Mr. Jaitley said India now had a 35 crore strong middle class and had also witnessed an unprecedented increase in service sector in recent years. He said the service sector was in need of professional and skilled manpower, which could be provided through quality education.
Focusing on the possibilities of religio-cultural tourism in Punjab, Mr. Jaitley said the holy city Amritsar had great potential in this field. He said Punjab had achieved a lot in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and education and could explore more new avenues of growth.
Lauding Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for maintaining social harmony in the state, the Finance Minister said Mr. Badal had emerged as pillar of social concord in the country. He said Mr. Badal’s personality was much taller than the Padma Vibhushan bestowed upon him recently since his contribution for the state as well as country was peerless.