NewZNew (Sri Muktsar Sahib) : Giving the slogan of ‘Skillful and Prosperous Punjab’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the top priority of state government was to impart skill training to people as highly skilled populace would herald an era of unprecedented economic growth in the state. Addressing the gatherings in village Dabwali Malko Ki, Kangan Kera, Maahni Kera, Baloch Kera, Bhai Ka Kera, Khema Kera, Kullu Kera and Arniwala during second day of Sangat Darshan in Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that as size of land holdings of farmers was continuously decreasing and agriculture was no longer a profitable venture, so Punjabis must focus on getting skill education to earn their livelihood with pride and dignity.

He said that the need of the hour was that each hand in the family was a skilled hand so as to run their life smoothly. Mr. Badal said that there were tremendous opportunities for skilled manpower in the fields of hospitality, healthcare, paramedics, industries and others due to which the state government was laying special thrust on imparting technical training the students through a wide network of skill centers across the state.Expressing grave concern over menace of unemployment in the state, the Chief Minister said that they were fully sensitized towards this problem and the only solution to tackle it, especially amongst the college/ school drop outs, was to impart skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood.

He said that the state government has set a target of training nearly one lakh youth annually under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for Punjabis that Punjab has became the first ever state to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in the Healthcare sector adding that this MoU with NSDC’s arm Healthcare Sector Skill Council would open new vistas of employability for the Punjabi youth. “Skilled manpower will give much needed fillip to the economic growth of the state thereby acting as a catalyst for all round development of the state and prosperity of its people” he added. Later on interacting with the media persons at village Bhai Ka kera, the Chief Minister said that the newly built Bathinda airport would be made operational soon.

Mr. Badal said that the state government has been regularly pursuing this matter with the Government of India (GoI) and the Union Civil Aviation Minister has also assured them that the flights from this Airport would begin very soon. “This airport will facilitate the people by providing air connectivity to Bathinda with the rest of country besides opening several new vistas for the region” he added. Batting for remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce, the Chief Minister said that it was necessary for preserving food security of the country. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was and would ever remain a strong votary providing remunerative returns to the farmers for bailing them out of the current crisis. “We are firmly committed for safeguarding the interests of the entire farming community, which has played a pivotal role in making country self reliant in food production” added Mr. Badal.Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the remaining payment of paddy procurement would be soon made to the farmers.

Terming the death of new born babies in Ludhiana Hospital as a tragic incident, the Chief Minister said that an enquiry was already going on in this matter. Mr. Badal categorically said that he had asked the officers to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and submit the inquiry report. He said that no one, howsoever affluent he/ she may be, will be spared for callousness in this case and brought to book as per the law of the land. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal.