Amritsar, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : Central Minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited Amritsar on Saturday, where he offered prayers at the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. Following his visit, he engaged with reporters, discussing a range of topics including employment fairs, the nation’s economy, energy sector developments, the E20 fuel initiative, the drug problem in Punjab, and the potential alliance between the Akali Dal and BJP.
Puri was in the city to attend the 20th edition of an employment fair, conducted via video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He shared details on social media about the fair, which distributed appointment letters to 51,000 candidates across 45 locations in the country. He emphasized that the youth of India are not just witnesses to the journey towards a developed nation but are actively participating through their ideas and aspirations.
He noted that young individuals entering government service today are stepping into roles at a time when technology is rapidly transforming governance. Artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces, and digital platforms are bridging the gap between the government and citizens.
Puri highlighted the importance of prioritizing individuals and their issues in government services, referencing Prime Minister Modi’s message: “Citizens are divine.” He acknowledged that while technology is crucial, it cannot replace integrity and sensitivity.
Discussing the country’s economic status, Puri stated that India has undergone significant changes since 2014. He claimed that the economy is now valued at $4.1 trillion, with a GDP growth rate of 7.8% and exports reaching $860 billion. He also pointed out that there are over 223,000 recognized startups in the country, generating more than 2.3 million direct jobs. According to him, the startup ecosystem, along with manufacturing, digital services, electronics, emerging technologies, and the energy sector, is creating new opportunities for the youth.
In his conversation with journalists, Puri addressed the global energy market’s volatility, asserting that India maintains a stable fuel supply. He mentioned that there are approximately 107,000 fuel retail outlets in the country, and the situation of long queues at petrol pumps has been avoided. He accused the opposition of spreading confusion regarding fuel supply issues.
Puri referenced the government’s past measures, such as reducing excise duties on petrol and diesel in 2021 and 2022, aimed at alleviating the impact of rising international prices on Indian consumers. He stated that despite global energy price hikes, the government has worked to provide relief to the public.
He also discussed the importance of energy diplomacy under Prime Minister Modi during current geopolitical crises, ensuring affordable and uninterrupted energy supply for the nation. Responding to opposition concerns about E20 fuel, Puri clarified that the initiative began in 2023 and dismissed the opposition’s claims as misleading.
Looking ahead, Puri indicated that India is not only strengthening its traditional energy framework but also exploring new energy sources. He mentioned initiatives like the oceanic churning mission to harness offshore capabilities and the Gobardhan scheme to convert waste into clean energy and livelihoods.
On the issue of drug abuse in Punjab, Puri criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government, questioning their commitment to eradicating drugs in the state. He pointed out that drug abuse affects the youth and asked whether the government has truly succeeded in eliminating the issue.
Puri remarked that the fight against drugs is not limited to Punjab, as actions are also being taken in Gujarat. He acknowledged that the drug problem existed during the previous Akali Dal-BJP coalition government.
When asked about the potential alliance between the Akali Dal and BJP, Puri stated that the final decision rests with the party leadership. However, he hinted that if an alliance occurs, the terms would differ from previous arrangements. He noted that in the past, the BJP contested fewer seats under a 22-seat arrangement, which would not be the case moving forward.
In response to questions about Ravneet Singh Bittu, Puri stated he had no information and reiterated that he was in Amritsar to participate in the employment fair.
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