Punjab CM launches 'Atta-Dal Scheme' on Independence Day

Ludhiana, Aug 15 (UNI) On the occasion of the 61st Independence Day, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today launched the ambitious 'Atta-Dal Scheme' at the state level function at the Guru Nanak Stadium here.

'' This is my government's humble bid to alleviate the suffering of the poor in the state'', he said while addressing a gathering on the auspicious occasion after unfurling the national tricolour and inspecting a guard of honour.

He, however, added that the government was fully alive of the magnitude of the problem of poverty and backwardness and would launch a full-scale broadside against it in the coming days through a multi pronged effort to remove unemployment in the state.

He reminded the people that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its alliance partner the BJP had in the election manifesto promised to provide 'atta' (wheat flour) and 'dal' (pulses) to the poor at subsidised rates. The scheme had been modified and now instead of wheat flour, the government would provide wheat (grains) to the beneficaries.

The scheme was to be launched on April 13 this year but due to the delay in the identification of the beneficaries on the bases of their income it was delayed. The government after undertaking the herculian task of identifying the beneficaries finally launched it today.

On the occasion the Chief Minister also announced that 42,000 acres of government land along the rivers in the state would be given at nominal rates to the families that had been tilling this land since the last two decades or so.

The Chief Minister later took the salute to an impressive march past by contingents of the police, NCC, para military force companies and school children. College and school students presented a colourful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.

UNI