Punjab: With polls in sight, Centre acts

With elections to the Punjab assembly due to be held next year, the Manmohan Singh government is reviewing several important projects that have been undertaken in last few years, particularly the setting up of a modern international airport in the state and widening of several important roads linking the main townships.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Singh is reviewing initiatives like the Galiara project around Shri Harmandir Sahib, completion of Khalsa Heritage Project at Shri Anandpur Sahib, establishment of Bio-Technology Hub in Punjab, and coverage of Amritsar and Ludhiana under the National Urban Renewal Mission.

The Central government had after Operation Blue Star started a beautification project called Galiyara scheme under which all

the markets and buildings surrounding the Golden Temple were to be removed from an area of five hundred meters from the historical shrine of the Sikhs.

The prime minister besides reviewing these projects also monitored the progress of several educational and social initiatives, foremost amongst them being the announcement of Indian Institute of Science & Research in Punjab. 'The Centre of Research on Shri Guru Granth Sahib Studies has already started functioning,' the press note said.

Specific attention is also being given to the infrastucture sector, with upgradation and widening of Amritsar-Wagha road. Additionally, Amristsar- Jalandhar, Amritsar Pathankot, Kiratpur-Chandigarh and Ambala-Chandigarh roads are also being taken up under the National Highway Development Programme, the note added.