Amarinder envisions Punjab as nation's most modern state

Kharar, Mohali Sep 7 (UNI) Taking into account the best state award bestowed on Punjab by India Today group, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today envisioned that the state would soon lead the nation in the field of information technology, physical infrastructure and diversification of agriculture.

Addressing the 'Vikas Rally' of the ruling Congress here, Capt Singh said the country's most prestigious magazine, India Today, adjudged the state as the 'best state' and awarded it an ''Overall Best Performance Award'' for the year 2006 consecutively for the third time.

The award was given by President A P J Abdul Kalam at Delhi in the presence of 13 Chief Ministers after a meticulous survey conducted by a team of economists, he said adding this indiecated the performance of his government in the state.

Launching a scathing attack on Akali Rajya Sabha member Sukhbir Badal with regard to his criticism of the award, Capt Singh advised him to check the facts prior to issuing ''such half baked statements just to gain popularity in the media''.

''Do you think that the President of India would ever preside over such a function if the award is fake. Can a reputable organisation like India Today could be influenced in anyone's favour,'' asked Capt Singh.

Lamasting Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and his predecessor Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said everybody knew how Mr Badal had ''built up a vast empire by arm twisting of the common man.

Referring to the proposed Reliance Agri project, Capt Singh said the company would set up 352 rural hubs in the state to provide marketing support and agriculture extension services to the farmers.

He said Mr Badal was trying to scuttle the project for his political interests.

UNI PS KD PC1951