Diminishing farm productivity notwithstanding, Punjab continues to hold aloft its flag of leading the country in political productivity. Acknowledged as a pioneer in coalition politics, Punjab has given to the country not only one of its oldest regional political parties in Shiromani Akali Dal, it has also thrown on national horizon several political outfits, think tanks and forums representing different sections of society, including vociferous ex-servicemen. While the elections to the State Assembly are still a couple of months away, a couple of new political outfits and a think tank are already in the process of guiding financially wrecked Punjabis back to their golden days. A group of eminent superannuated bureaucrats, diplomats, academicians, defense personnel, industrialists, businessmen and social scientists have come together to launch Sanjha-Sunehra Punjab, a forum that will guide this strife torn State back to good old days.

Convenor, K.C. Singh while speaking at the launch event said, the Manch wants to focus on challenges facing Punjab today and take to the people their views. The aim is to solicit the reaction of Punjab residents, both in urban and rural areas. The Manch, he said, hopes to voice the outcome of this interactive dialogue.

The critical issues facing Punjab include farmers’ agitation against farm laws; agrarian crisis due to dependence on rice-wheat cycle and its impact on water table, environment etc.; low agricultural growth and deficient investment in industry. He added, then there are issues like poor education facilities, healthcare facilities and housing facilities.

“Equally challenging are issues affecting youth, especially jobs and above all, there is a need for systemic change and ways to check mafias controlling sand extraction, liquor trade and drugs. Systemic reforms are not possible without Punjab deciding what kind of political leadership it elects. Manch’s aim is to spread awareness about these challenges, possible solutions and a roadmap for a golden future.”, he added.

In his address, Mr. K C Singh shared the vision of the Sanjha-Sunehra Punjab Manch. He said “This platform will work towards finding solutions to the pressing issues facing the people of Punjab. We will offer our solutions, but more importantly go to the people and seek their advice. We wish to become the voice of all Punjabis “He said, Punjab needs a second Green Revolution, where new markets are created, and farmers ensured dignity and financial prosperity “

Col LJS Gill, who has served in the Indian Army for 24 years and also held senior positions in the corporate world said, “People who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those who are doing it “

Dr K S Aulakh, Ex Vice Chancellor, PAU, said, “Punjab which used to be the number one State on per capita GDP basis forty years ago has slipped down to the 16th position, 5th most corrupt and most indebted state of India. There is desperation and chaos all around. For this people of unimpeachable integrity, vision, determination and commitment are needed to rehaul and transform it back into a viable State.”

Prof Ronki Ram, who has several years of teaching and research experience at Panjab University and other universities besides being a recipient of several awards, said, “We need to promote skill-based education, supported by a revived government school setup for the generation of respectable employment at the grassroots”.

Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd.), who has served as an instructor at four premier institutions in the Indian Army, said, “Bold measures need to be initiated to reverse the trend to qualitatively improve the Gross Domestic Happiness in tandem with Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

He added, “The Manch recognizes the services and sacrifices made by our armed forces. Ex-Servicemen must be granted the dignity they deserve, and their services incorporated in the larger interest of Punjab.” Presently Chairman of Indian Ex-servicemen Movement (IESM) and Advisor United Front of Ex-Servicemen (UFESM) Jantar Mantar, he has led the One Rank One Pension Movement for Defense Personnel.

Among founder members of the Sanjha-Sunehra Punjab include policechiefs Dr. D R Bhatti\ and PS Gill, Air Marshal P S Gill, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Dr. Harshinder Kaur, Capt. Vikram Bajwa, Shooter Gurbir Singh Sandhu (Arjuna Awardee), DPS Gill, Justice Kamaljit Singh Garewal, Amritjit S Narang and Jaideep Singh.

Diplomats as politicians Of all civil servants, diplomats have scripted a grand success story in politics.

Starting with Brajesh Mishra, some members of the Diplomatic Corps – K. Natwar Singh, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Meira Kumar, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (India’s External Affairs Minister) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum Minister)- have had equally successful innings in politics after their stints in Indian Foreign Service.

Then there is Mr. Pawan Varma, who joined Bihar Government after quitting foreign service.

Latest to join this clan is Mr. Krishan Chander Singh (KC Singh to his friends). He retired from foreign service after serving as India’s Ambassador to both UAE and Iran. He was Deputy Secretary to the President Giani Zail Singh during turbulent (1984) years. He is the brain behind Sanjha-Sunera Punjab. Though Forum is yet to unfold its poetical cards, it may seek direct or indirect entry to Punjab politics.

 Before Mr. KC Singh arrived on scene, a former diplomat Harinder Singh Khalsa, has been successful in getting to Lok Sabha, initially as an Akali and later as Aam Aadmi Party nominee. Now he is with the Bhartiya Janata Party.

Punjab has been a fertile land for political experimentation. After Shiromani Akali Dal, the country’s oldest regional political party, Punjab was also the first State to give ex-servicemen a political outfit – Rashtriya Raksha Dal.

(Prabhjot Pal Singh is a senior journalist)