Haryana for amicable solutions to inter-state disputes – Hooda

Shimla: With an order to the inter-state dispute on distribution of assets between Punjab, Haryana and Himachal having been reserved by the Supreme Court, Bhupinder Hooda, chief minister of Haryana, said that it was always better to settle for amicable solutions.

Hooda was interacting with media persons after inaugurating a newly renovated circuit house here today.

Open to cooperating with the hill state in tourism and hydropower generation, he said that they had never opposed the industrial package to Himachal but was seeking similar incentives for Morni, Mewat and other backward areas of Haryana.

“Dislocation of industries had happened in Haryana due to the package given to Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand,” he said in response to a question.

Alluding to Himachal’s claim to rightful share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects after Re-organization of Punjab Act 1966 that has been argued before the Supreme Court and an order is reserved he said, Haryana had always supported mutually acceptable solutions.

Denying that they had ever lagged in providing road connectivity to the hill state, the chief minister cited the case of Kalka-Pinjore by pass road that would be completed by December.

Renuka Dam was a central project on which concerned states had agreed in principal but negotiation was on, he said.

He said that sex ratio was an area of concern for the government and a lot of incentives like fixed deposit scheme for birth of a girl child and others had been started.

Defending social work done by some Khap Panchayats, the chief minister said that they worked like unregistered NGO’s but were not allowed to take law into their hands.

In response to another question Hooda said, “a report about having a separate SGPC in Haryana was being examined by the government and decision in keeping the interests of the sikh community of the state would be taken.

Speaking about the development in the state, Hooda claimed that Haryana would soon become self reliant in electricity generation as 5000MW of power would soon be added after completion of four new thermal plants. Between 1966 and 2005, only one plant was set up, he added.

Haryana was the leading state in highest per capita investment in the country, was only second to Goa in terms of per capita income and was providing Rs 179 daily wage under MNREGA, which was the highest in the country. Wheat, mustard and bajra productivity was best in the country, he said.

The state development plans had increased from Rs 2200 Crore in 2005 to Rs 20,358 crore in the current year.

He said education was a focus area and several institutions which included universities had been opened. “In five year we would be an education hub of international standard, he said.

Ravinder Makhaik

As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.

Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.