Unhappy over unclean campus, Punjab Governor VP Badnore reminds PAU of PM’s cleanliness mission

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Badnore in his address, said he did not like the casual approach towards cleanliness at the mela.

“Our farmers have been greatly benefited due to the research efforts of PAU. There was a time when we were dependent on US for foodgrains but it is only due to research of PAU that Punjab and entire country became self sufficient. Research and contribution of PAU scientists has been commendable but I can see there is lack of cleanliness,” said Badnore.

Stating that it is against the PM’s ‘mission’ of ‘clean India’, he said, “Par jo cheez mujhe pasand nahi aayi, main wo bhi kahunga. Yahaan par safaai ki kami hai. It means that Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan is not being implemented the way it should be.”

The chancellor of the varsity added that ‘on his next visit he would like to see a clean campus.’

Littering on the PAU campus during Kisan Melas have been a constant problem since years which the varsity has failed to address.

Thousands of farmers from across state throng campus for two days. Farmers too adopt negligent approach leaving campus and National Highway Ferozepur road in a complete mess.

Badnore also asked agriculture minister Tota Singh and vice chancellor Dr BS Dhillon to prepare a proposal for development of PAU and promised that he would forward it to Modi.

Tota Singh speaking to The Indian Express said that ‘in the next mela, he would personally take care of cleanliness in PAU campus.’

“It is not appreciable that honorable Governor had to remind us of basic things like cleanliness. I too noticed there were inadequate trash bins and this happens every Kisan Mela. Farmers also throw eatables, wrappers, pamphlets, polythene bags in the campus premises. Awareness hoardings were missing which I will get installed. It is our duty to educate farmers about PM’s Swachh Bharat Mission,” said Tota Singh.

Tota Singh in his address also said that ‘lack of a national policy to market farmers’ produce is worsening plight of farmers.’

“Expenses are more, income is less. There needs to be a national marketing policy to relieve the farmers. Make In India plan of Modi government will help the farmers but still they do not even get basic price for crops like maize, vegetables etc and are forced to sell at lower price due to lack of any marketing policy at national level,” said Tota Singh.