Projecting a united face just months ahead of theAssembly polls in Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and once his betenoire Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday met at the former's residence near here in acordial atmosphere and later shared their photos of 'close proximity'.
To ensure better coordination between the ruling partyand the state government, and to further expedite the implementation of thevarious government programmes and reform initiatives, Punjab Chief MinisterCaptain Amarinder Singh and Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu on Fridayagreed to set up a 10-member ‘Strategic Policy Group’.
To be headed by the Chief Minister, the Group will haveLocal Government Minister Brahm Mohindra, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badaland Social Security Minister Aruna Chaudhary as members, along with Sidhu, thefour party working presidents - Kuljit Singh Nagra, Sukhwinder Singh Danny,Sangat Singh Gilzian and Pawan Goel, besides Pargat Singh.
The decision was taken this morning when Sidhu, alongwith Nagra and Pargat, called on the Chief Minister to discuss Punjab relatedissues and steps to strengthen party-government coordination.
The Group will hold weekly meetings, in consultation withother ministers, experts etc as may be required. It will discuss and review theprogress of the various state government initiatives already underimplementation, and will also suggest measures to expedite the same.
In another decision, Captain Amarinder has also assignedhis cabinet colleagues the task of being available in Punjab Congress Bhawanevery day, by rotation, for meetings with MLAs and other party functionaries todiscuss issues relating to their constituencies/areas and address anygrievances.
One minister each will be available at the CongressBhawan from Monday for three hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m), and in any case the minister deputed for a particular day isunable to make it for some reason, he/she shall arrange for a substitute inconsultation with any other minister. The arrangement will be in place fivedays in a week, from Monday to Friday, said the Chief Minister, adding thatthis will help in better coordination between his government and partyfunctionaries in the run-up to the 2022 Assembly elections.