Gujral writes off Rs 8,500-crore Punjab loan

The Prime Minister told the officials of the Union and state governments, who were present at the meeting, that Punjab had fought the nation’s battle in a proxy war waged by a hostile neighbour and there was no question of the state bearing the financial burden for the same, the release said.

Badal, had earlier requested the Prime Minister to waive off the Rs 8,500 crore loan advanced to the state during its fight against terrorism saying that the state “is the defence bullworker of the country”.

The CM also took the issue with Gujral for expediting the setting up of an international airport at Amritsar by the International Airport Authority of India and to provide adequate funds for this purpose.

Badal also impressed upon Gujral to consider the case of State for locating a 500 MW nuclear power plant during the Ninth Plan period to meet the increasing energy requirements.

He also pleaded with the PM to head the proposed National Committee for Tricentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa Panth being observed at Anandpur Sahib in April, 1999.

He said that a superfast express train linking Delhi-Chandigarh-Anandpur Sahib may be introduced, besides allotting national games in the year 1999, doubling of existing roads from Kiratpur to Anandpur Sahib and observing 1999 as a year of `Human Spirit’ by the whole nation.

Badal also stressed for allotment Rs 200 crore more in addition to Rs 100 crore already earmarked during current year for Ranjit Sagar dam project so that it could be completed as per schedule. He said that this gaint 600 MW power project is crucial for the State and its early commissioning would help in improving irrigation and power potential in Punjab and other beneficiary States.

He also asked the PM for special financial aid on various projects which included establishment of a technical university and research centre, establishment of a medical institute, Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail link, increase in recruitment to armed forces from Punjab and transport subsidy for export of foodgrains and other projects.