"Punjab Vision 2047” conclave starts at Panjab University 

Chandigarh, November 12, 2024: "Punjab Vision 2047” conclave started at Panjab University (PU), here today. The two day conclave is being organised by the World Punjabi Organisation in association with the Punjab Development Commission and PU, Chandigarh. 

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha and Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig and PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma addressed the inaugural session. A number of luminaries from the field of policy making, governance, businesses and social sector are attending the conclave. 

Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha listed ten points agenda for providing road map to achieve the Punjab 2047. He also listed out thematic sectors which need attention for the state to prosper. “This is a land of resilience, courage, brotherhood and community and the state government is committed to overall development in each sector”, he added.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the new developmental policies initiated by the Punjab state government. He also mentioned the revenue loss to the state due to the new GST regime. He gave his insights into the financial and developmental aspirations for Punjab. “We will see the results of these policies in next couple of years which will rejuvenate the state’s economy. With the initiation of GST, industrial and agricultural states like Punjab have seen a dip in revenue because GST is a destination based tax. This means states with low industrial and agricultural output and hence higher consumption collect more tax,” he said.

“Punjab has all the potential to embark on an era of sustainable economic growth and cultural rejuvenation. We have the demographics, the ecological resources as well as the wisdom of our past to guide us towards prosperity,” said Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney. He stressed for doing SWOT analysis of the State. “We will have several experts coming and sharing their ideas during this conclave and we need to come up with a white paper for each sector whether it’s farming, economy or cultural heritage. Punjab is the same state which turned India self sufficient in food grain and eliminated hunger but we suffered a setback for around 15 years starting 1980s which impacted the economy. We can turn around the corner and excel again”, he added. 

In her enlightening perspective, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig emphasised the role of education, research and leadership in achieving vision for 2047. She stressed on the importance of strengthening the ties between academia and industry. She also raised the critical issue of brain drain and stressed for creating better eco system to stop it.  

PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma said,"It is an honour for PU that policy makers, experts and stake holders are deliberating on such an important topic which will help in changing Disha and Dasha." I am confident that Punjab Vision 2047 will not remain in distant aspiration but will also become a reality, setting new standards of growth, sustainability and inclusion, he added.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann are scheduled to address the conclave on the concluding day of two day conference.