Says suspension of cross-border trade impacting traders and producers in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and J&K
SAS Nagar (April 23): Member of Parliament from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has strongly advocated for the resumption of cross-border trade through the Wagah Border to give a significant boost to the economy of northern states including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Referring to the ongoing transnational trade on the Mumbai–Karachi route, the MP said he has already raised the issue in Parliament and emphasized that traders and producers are eagerly awaiting restoration of trade through Wagah Border, which would provide a major economic fillip.
He was interacting with media persons after the inauguration of various development works executed under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds, amounting to Rs 28.93 lakh, across villages in Kharar on Thursday.
The projects inaugurated include Construction of a new classroom at Government Model Smart School, Jandpur (Rs 5 lakh), Installation of an open gym at Abheypur (Rs 3 lakh), Installation of 25 solar lights in Milkh village at Rs 2.93 lakh, Construction of a shed near a dargah at Manakpur Sharif (Rs 5 lakh), Installation of 28 floodlights at the stadium in Lubangarh ( Rs 5 lakh), Construction of an indoor gym at Sialba (Rs 3 lakh), Development of public parking near Gurdwara Sahib in Barauli village (Rs 2 lakh), Construction of a community centre in Machhipur village (Rs 3 lakh).
Responding to a media query, Kang said that the current MPLAD allocation of Rs 5 crore per MP is insufficient to meet the developmental needs of over 1600 villages in the Anandpur Sahib constituency. He added that he, along with other Members of Parliament, has already raised the matter with the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking an increase in the grant.
Earlier, while interacting with students at Government Model Smart School, Jandpur, he motivated them to aim high and pursue their ambitions with determination. Citing examples of Dr. Manmohan Singh, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Hockey Olympians Balbir Singh Sr. and Pargat Singh, he highlighted that all of them studied in government schools, underscoring the potential of such institutions.
He emphasized that students of government schools are highly talented and should never be underestimated. He added that the Bhagwant Mann-led government has been consistently working to improve the quality of education and strengthen public healthcare services in the state.
Kang further stated that his primary focus while allocating MPLAD funds is on upgrading educational infrastructure and promoting sports by developing playgrounds and gym facilities in villages to encourage a healthy lifestyle among youth. He also expressed his intent to establish international-level Kabaddi and basketball stadiums in the Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency.
During the visits, school staff, village panchayat members, prominent citizens and local leaders were also present.
