Sukhbir urges media for responsible reporting

Taking cognizance of the reports in certain sections of media regarding the bankruptcy of Punjab Government, Deputy ChiefMinister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday appealed the leading publications to verify the truth and refrain from reports that may let down the state among the investors.

Badal addressed a press conference in Chandigarh and gave a power point presentation on the states’ fiscal health.

“A productive debt is imperative for the growth of the state and is a catalyst for development. In the last seven years we have never defaulted on salaries and pensions,” he said

The recommendations of fifth pay commission have been implemented and the last installment of revised scale amounting Rs 1035 cr will be implemented by December 2013, as per the agreement,” said Badal.

“We are on the right track and the rate of investment implementation is 79% (according to a study by Assocham) reflects the confidence of investors in the Government”, he asserted.

Badal stressed that media is the fourth estate in the democracy and media should play a constructive role. Media helps to create a strong public opinion and the reports based on half-baked information mislead the gullible readers.

The Deputy Chief Minister was visibly upset over a series of reports on Punjab’s financial health being carried in a leading newspaper. He added that despite of dwindling aids and grants from centre over the past few years, state has been able to put its house in order.