In order to ensure the balanced growth of the rural areas in a holistic manner, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the Union government must implement the genuine federal structure in the country.
The chief minister, who was here to address a public gathering, said that knowing well the needs of the country, the framers of the Indian Constitution had envisaged true federal system for the nation.
However, he said that unfortunately by adopting the policy of excessive centralisation of powers, the successive Congress governments at the centre have turned it into a unitary form of government.
"Due to the weakening of the federal structure the country was not only facing a number of social maladies like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy but it has also adversely affected the progress of the states," Badal said.
He alleged that this policy of the Union government has resulted in the lopsided development of many areas, adding the states were virtually on the mercy of the Centre to carry out the development works.
"We have to seek permission from the Centre for even carrying out any small work of public importance," Badal said.
