Punjab has become laggard state under leadership of Amarinder Singh: Sukhbir Badal

Shiromani Akali Dal (S) chief Sukhbir Singh Bal on Sunday said it was "shameful" that Punjab has become a "laggard" state under Congress rule as it has been placed in 19th position in Business Reform Action Plan (2019) rankings.

Slamming Amarinder Singh-led government in state, Bal said Punjab was among "worst-performing" states for second year in running. According to annual ease of doing business ranking of states and Union Territories anunced by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Tre (DPIIT) on Saturday, Punjab was placed at number 19.

ranking is based on implementation of business reform action plan 2019 by states and UTs. In a statement here, S chief said state secured nineteenth rank as per Business Reform Action Plan 2019 rankings as against 20th rank it h secured in survey for previous year.

"This is in stark contrast to number one ranking achieved by state in ease of setting up of business in 2015 and pole position for single-window reforms in 2016 during S-BJP rule," Bal said.

latest ranking was a cause for concern. Even Punjab's neighbours have outranked it, he said.

"Himachal Presh has jumped from 16th rank to seventh position, while Haryana has been ranked 16th," S chief said, ding "It is shameful that Punjab has become a laggard state under leership of Amarinder Singh and continue to be among worst-performing state for second year in running," Holding chief minister solely responsible for this state of affairs, Bal alleged that Amarinder Singh has "downgred" Invest Punjab Department which h created a one-stop clearance system and boosted investment to tune of Rs 45,000 crore during S-BJP rule.

" reforms commission has been scrapped and 12,000 Sewa Kendras which were established to provide easy access to citizen-centric services have been closed down," he said.

Asking chief minister to "perform or quit",You (Amarinder Singh) are presiding over downfall of state in every sphere. Your fake claims of bringing in investment and holding a sham investment meet have been exposed. Investors have lost confidence to invest in Punjab under your leership,ded Bal. 

(Im Credits:PTI)