Ruchika M Khanna
Chandigarh, April 26
The Punjab government finds itself in a spot over a purported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between the state government with the government of National Capital Region of Delhi on Tuesday, wherein the two states are supposed to “cooperate for framing and implementing public welfare programmes in various fields on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit”.
The MoU, which is being circulated, mentions that the two states will cooperate on 18 priority areas – PubIic HeaIth, PubIic Education, Environment and Pollution Control, Water Supply and Sanitation, Tourism and Hospitality, Housing, Urban Development, Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, SociaI Security, Women and Child Development, Employment and Labour Welfare, Nutrition, PubIic Works, Governance Reforms, Power, Citizen Sevices, Industrial Development and Investment Promotion and Fiscal Stability.
Sources confirm that though the MoU is being signed, the one in circulation may be tweaked.
The proposed MoU, which senior officers in the government have confirmed is being signed on Tuesday, also says that the cooperation between the two states will include any other area decided mutually between them.
The agreement, say official sources, is being signed taking into consideration, the close and historic, social and cultural relations between the people of the two states; the need for systematic and balanced development of respective states for mutual benefit of people of the states; recognising the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields of public welfare; and with conviction that cooperation in respect of various public welfare programmes will be to their mutual advantage.
As news of the proposed MoU spread, it invited the opposition ire. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa in a tweet said this was akin to inviting the British to safeguard the Maharaja as requested by the Lahore Durbar in 1846. This is an abrogation of responsibility on part of the Punjab government towards its people.
Incidentally, this comes close on the heels of a visit by top officers of the state to Delhi, to hold meetings with the AAP supremo, before the rollout of the 300 units of free power to all. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was not present in the meetings.
The document further says that the extent of cooperation between the two states shall include, but is not limited to developing inclusive and people-centric infrastructure and facilities; research and development activities; creation of centres of excellence in various fields; capacity building and skill development; sharing knowledge and expertise; supporting exchange programmes for human resource and skill development; domain awareness, including exchange of information and best practices, capacity building and strengthening of support centres and institutions.
When signed, the two states shall undertake all activities in accordance with respective laws.
“Cooperation between the two states under this MoU may be conducted in the form of exchange of information and documentation; exchange of visits by experts, scholars and delegations; visits by officers and ministers; collaborative and joint projects; other forms of cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon.
There would be joint organisation of seminars, workshops and meetings involving experts, scientists, private companies and other relevant agencies that the two states deem appropriate for developing human resource and skill. The two states shall respond promptly to each other’s
request for use of the knowledge acquired for economic benefit of the state making the request.
Punjab govt finds itself in a spot over purported MoU to be signed with Delhi today
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