Patiala: Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria said the state faced its biggest challenges in mounting public debt of over ₹4 lakh crore and a deteriorating law-and-order situation.While replying media queries during his visit to the historic Mata Shri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala on Monday, the governor said that while budget figures might appear “attractive” on paper, the reality of debt exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore could not be ignored. He said the widening gap between revenue and expenditure was unsustainable and called for a structural overhaul in the way the state managed its finances.He reminded state authorities that GDP rules strictly dictated that the fiscal deficit should not exceed 3%. He also called for a more disciplined approach to “current making” of the budget, and said a balance must be struck to ensure long-term economic stability. Warning that future development could be stifled by interest liabilities if corrective measures were not taken, he said, “The budget may show a positive outlook, but the challenge of Rs 4 lakh crore in debt is real. We must improve our fiscal management to ensure that expenses do not outpace our income”, he said.On law and order, Kataria described it as “A Bigger Challenge” and said the lack of fear among criminals led to a rise in daily crimes, creating insecurity among the public. He said he discussed the rise in crime rates and the need for more effective policing through direct communication with the DGP, and wrote to state authorities seeking swift action on several critical matters that remained unaddressed.During the visit, the governor paid obeisance at the Mata Shri Kali Devi Temple and prayed for the “peace and development of Punjab”. He reviewed the ongoing Rs 75 crore renovation work at the temple and said that on completion it would emerge as a premier pilgrimage destination for the entire country. He also remarked that the Goddess, known as the “destroyer of evil”, inspired leaders to work with sincerity and wisdom for the betterment of the nation.MSID:: 129332479 413 |
