Punjab to hold student union polls after 34 yrs
Underlines new scheme that envisages grant of permits preferably to jobless youth
CHANDIGARH: After 34 years, Punjab will hold student union elections in universities and colleges across the state from the coming academic year.
The announcement was made by chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh in the Punjab assembly while winding up the discussion on the motion of thanks of the governor’s address.
“These elections were suspended over three decades ago due to disturbance of law and order in the state. With Punjab returning to peace and normalcy, student union elections will take place regularly, as are being held in Punjab University, Chandigarh and Delhi University. We will hold direct elections,” he said, calling it fulfilment of another poll promise made by state government.
Amarinder said that student union elections would be held in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjabi University, Patiala and Punjab Technical University along with their affiliated colleges. The student elections were banned in 1984 due to turmoil caused by militancy in the state. However, most political parties, including the Congress, have been seeking elections to student bodies in the state from time to time.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh said on Tuesday that the state government will cancel all permits for trucks and buses that were auctioned “in a non-transparent manner” by the previous SADBJP government.
Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address in the assembly, he said the government has already banned cartelisation of truck operators and truck unions, besides notifying a new transport scheme that envisages grant of permits in a free and transparent manner, preferably to unemployed youth.
He underlined that tax collection from transport sector went up from Rs 1,548.85 crore to Rs 1,912.67 crore last year, showing an increase of 23.49%. The government will also add a fleet of 500 new buses, construct 15 new bus stands and establish 11 automated test stations for periodic inspection of commercial vehicles in the state, he added.
GUARDIANS OF GOVERNANCE ‘NOT A SPY AGENCY’
Brushing aside allegations by the opposition parties, Amarinder said the ‘Guardians of Governance’ (Gogs) were not a spy agency but only there to assist the government in efficient conduct of administration and proper utilisation of funds earmarked for public welfare. The chief minister said the government has appointed 3,000 ex-servicemen in six districts under the scheme.
“Their suggestions will go a long way in ensuring optimum utilisation of all government funds meant for the citizens. They are not implementing any programme but facilitating proper implementation by checking any malpractices,” he said, adding, “They are meant to work with the elected representatives at the grassroots and not to replace them”.
Further, making an appeal to gangsters to lay down arms, the CM said his government will deal with them with an iron hand if they do not surrender. “Nobody will be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere of Punjab.”
ASSISTANCE FOR KIN OF IRAQ VICTIMS
On help for families of those killed by the terror group IS in Iraq, the chief minister assured the members that his government will work out an assistance package for them and will, until that happens, continue giving out the monthly pension to them. “As the state waits for the bodies of those confirmed as dead in Mosul, we are working out an adequate assistance package for their families,” he said.
Amarinder said he has requested the Union ministry of external affairs to announce ex-gratia to their families and his government is awaiting their decision. “I am in constant touch with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and MOS, external Affairs, Gen VK Singh (retd), on the issue to ensure that the coffins containing the mortal remains of the victims are brought back to India with due respect, at the earliest possible.”
ENGLISH AND MORE IN SCHOOLS
On the education sector, he said that on a pilot basis, English medium would be started in at least two primary, middle, high and senior secondary schools in each educational block from July onwards. He said the state is also contemplating to offer some international languages in senior classes for children keen to seek employment outside the country.