Punjab runs Sangat Darshans on borrowed money

The Sangat darshan programme, a flagship of ruling SAD-BJP coalition’s achievements and other development works in the state are being run on the money borrowed from the bank on a high interest rate.

An information provided by a top official revealed that the money allocated to 137 market committees in 20 districts across Punjab for construction of roads and other development works in their respective regions was borrowed from Oriental Bank of Commerce. The state government will be paying 10.25 per cent interest rate on that money.

As per information, the government had ordered the Punjab Mandi board to take loan for construction/maintenance of around 6743 kilometers long stretch of roads falling under 137 market committees. Mandi Board needed around Rupees 623.28 crore to carry out this huge task, but the bank refused to sanction such a big amount, only later to be agreed on for sanctioning loan of Rupees 263.52 crore.

It resulted in changes in the previously conceived plans of development as the government slashed the amount meant for carrying out development works for each market committee.

It is pertinent to note that the cheques worth of Rupees 395.28 crore distributed during the Sangar Darhsan Programmes were meant for carrying development works of various needs.