gÉÉŌ A.]ÉŌ. xÉÉxÉÉ

03.08.2010
is the sorry state of affairs the country has found itself in, courtesy the greedy
contractors.
Sir, this inflation is the result of the flawed policies of the Government.
Punjab and Haryana provide the maximum quantity of foodgrains in the Central
Pool. Lakhs of tonnes of foodgrains are lying in the open and either rotting or
being eaten by rodents. Time and again, we have appealed to the FCI to purchase
and store the foodgrains, but to no avail. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has
also directed the Government to save the vast quantity of foodgrains from being
wasted. It should be distributed among the needy and the poor. But, the
Government has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to this problem. This is sheer
apathy on the part of FCI which is already reeling under charges of rampant
corruption. We do not have adequate and proper storage facilities for foodgrains.
The Government does not even provide railway-facility so that the foodgrains can
be transported to other needy states. Rotting wheat is then sent to the beer-
producing factories and distilleries and the people involved in it make a lot of
money through unfair means.
Sir, inflation and Congress party are like inseparable siblings. Whenever
the Congress party is in power, the price-rise is bound to take place. The centre
conveniently indulges in a blame-game with the states. Surprisingly, the rates of
all items are fixed by the Central Government -- be it petrol, diesel, urea, cooking-
gas, kerosene or anything else. How then can the states be held responsible for
rising inflation?
Sir, the states have always helped the poor and the needy. There are over
two lakh BPL families in Punjab. But, our Chief Minister Sardar Prakash Singh
Badal has provided free ration to over eight lakh families. We are aware of our
responsibilities. Several other states have provided relief to the deprived and
downtrodden sections. However, the centre is busy pursuing flawed economic
policies which has resulted in the prices of essential commodities going through
the roof.
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