Punjab FM to meet Planning Comm to seek N-power plant

Phillaur, Mar 20 (UNI) Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal stressed the need for a nuclear power plant to meet the power crisis in the state and said he would soon approach the Planning Commission in this regard.

While talking to reporters after the passing out parade at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy here today, the Finance Minister said regarding the ''atta-dal'' scheme, he had directed the authorities concerned for an early survey of the BPL families in the state.

The state government would have to bear an expenditure of Rs 30 crore per month when the scheme would be implemented from May, he added.

Replying to a question about the presentation of the state budget, he said the vote on account would be presented on March 28 or 29 and the full-fledged budget for 2007-08 would be presented in the state assembly in June.

Earlier Mr Badal took a salute from 1693 trainees of various basic and promotional courses at an impressive function held at the academy stadium today.

The Finance Minister announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for the academy and said a police university would be set up in the academy.

Police recruitment from constable level would soon be revived and women would be encouraged to join the force, he said.

UNI