He said that due to “non-remunerative” MSP and escalating costs of agricultural inputs, farming has no longer remained a profitable venture.
Badal said that due to such “ill-conceived policies, the hard working farmers of the state was under reeling under heavy debt of more than Rs 32,000 crore adding that as per the figures of union government more than 2.90 lakh farmers across the country have been forced to commit suicide.
He said the setting up of a “genuine federal structure in the country was the need of hour to fulfill the cardinal ideas of justice, equality and liberty enshrined in the constitution by our great freedom fighters and leaders”.
Badal said that to provide world class treatment to cancer patients, an ultra modern hospital on the lines of Tata Cancer hospital Mumbai would come up soon at Medicity for which the state government has already allocated 50 acres of land.
Badal said Punjab government has embarked on an ambitious programme of cleaning of the river Satluj, the Beas and the Ghaggar at a cost of about Rs.2,500 crore by ensuring facilities of proper drainage and safe drinking water with the installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) as well as Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in 44 towns along these rivers in the state.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade and took a salute during an impressive march past by 19 contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, Punjab Forest Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides besides the Punjab Police band and other school bands.
Students of local schools presented a colorful programme, including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show and group singing.
On the occasion, Badal honoured freedom fighters for their valuable contribution to the country. Badal gave tri-cycles to physically-challenged persons and honoured eminent personalities from different walks of life for their outstanding services towards the society.
