Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, has announced that the towns of Khanna and Jagraon will be given district status if his party forms the next government in Punjab.
Badal made this announcement while addressing a political rally in Ludhiana. The rally was organised as part of the party’s campaign called “Punjab Bachao,” which aims to highlight the party’s plans and promises for the state.
During his speech, the former deputy chief minister said that people in Khanna and Jagraon have been demanding district status for many years. According to him, giving these towns district status would help improve administration and make government services more accessible to residents.
Badal said that when a town becomes a district, many government offices are established there. This includes administrative offices, police headquarters, courts, and other departments. As a result, people do not have to travel long distances to access government services.
He explained that district status can also help improve development in the area. Local businesses, infrastructure, and public facilities often grow when an area becomes a district. This can create new economic opportunities for residents.
Badal said that his party is committed to fulfilling the demand of the people. He assured supporters that the issue would be given priority if the Shiromani Akali Dal returns to power in the state.
The SAD president also spoke about the importance of strengthening the local economy. He said that better administration and improved infrastructure could help attract new investments and business activities in the region.
According to him, the decision would not only help the residents of Khanna and Jagraon but also benefit nearby villages and towns that depend on these areas for services and trade.
Badal added that the party believes in decentralising administration so that governance becomes faster and more efficient. When government offices are located closer to the people, problems can be resolved more quickly.
The announcement was welcomed by many supporters at the rally, who believe district status could bring more development to the region.
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Apart from the district announcement, Sukhbir Badal also discussed several other issues related to agriculture, markets, and economic development.
One of the major promises made during the rally was the modernisation of the Khanna Grain Market. This grain market is widely known as one of the largest in Asia.
The market plays an important role in the agricultural economy of Punjab. Farmers bring their wheat and paddy crops here to sell them through the government procurement system. Traders and commission agents also operate in the market to facilitate the sale of crops.
Badal said that the current infrastructure of the market is not up to modern standards. According to him, the facilities need improvement so that farmers and traders can work more efficiently.
He promised that if the SAD government comes to power, it will upgrade the infrastructure in the grain market. This may include better storage facilities, improved roads inside the market, modern equipment, and improved services for farmers and traders.
The SAD leader also addressed concerns of arhtiyas, or commission agents, who play an important role in agricultural procurement. Arhtiyas help farmers sell their crops and handle transactions during government procurement.
Badal promised that his party would restore the commission for arhtiyas on wheat and paddy procurement to 2.5 percent. At present, the commission is capped at 1.5 percent.
According to him, restoring the higher commission rate will help support the livelihood of commission agents and ensure smoother functioning of agricultural markets.
Badal also spoke about the need to bring new industries to Punjab. He said the state must work harder to attract the information technology sector and other modern industries.
According to him, IT companies and technology firms can create new job opportunities for young people in the state. He said that Punjab has talented youth, but many of them move to other states or countries due to a lack of job opportunities.
Badal said his party would create policies that encourage companies to invest in Punjab. This would help strengthen the economy and reduce unemployment.
During his speech, Badal also criticised the government led by Bhagwant Mann. He accused the state government of spending large amounts of public money on publicity campaigns.
He claimed that the government has not done enough to address the problems faced by farmers and poor families. According to him, issues such as compensation for crop losses and welfare benefits for weaker sections need more attention.
Badal said that the SAD government, if elected, would focus on improving governance and ensuring that welfare schemes reach the people who need them most.
The rally was part of the party’s larger campaign to connect with voters and present its plans for the future of Punjab. Through such events, party leaders are trying to highlight their promises related to development, agriculture, and economic growth.
As political activity increases in the state, announcements like the proposed district status for Khanna and Jagraon are expected to remain important topics in public discussions.
For many residents in these towns, the promise of district status represents a hope for better infrastructure, improved government services, and stronger economic growth in the coming years.
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