CHANDIGARH: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will preside over a function in Amritsar on March 24 when the Punjab Government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a construction major, DLF Universal, for setting up the prestigious Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the border district. This was announced by Punjab Finance Minister Surinder Singla while concluding the discussion on budget estimates for 2006-07 in the State Assembly here on Thursday.

Countering criticism by the MP from Amritsar, Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Minister assailed the baseless propaganda by the former cricketer, who on numerous occasions doubted the intentions of the Government in setting up the project.

"Unparliamentary'' language

The entire Opposition, including members of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, walked out in protest against the persistence of Mr. Singla in taunting them and using what they described as "unparliamentary'' language. As they walked out, the members of the treasury benches and some independents resorted to the thumping of the desks.

The walkout was preceded by major acrimonious scenes as the Finance Minister and the Akali members repeatedly engaged themselves in heated verbal duels, forcing the Speaker, Kewal Krishan, to expunge the comments from both sides. The Speaker was heard numerous times dismissing the "'points of order'' raised by the Akalis as attempts to create disorder. He repeatedly cautioned and at times even expressed regrets at Mr. Singla's repeated attempts to provoke the opposition, which the Speaker said amounted to lowering the dignity of the House.

Budget passed

In the absence of the opposition, the House passed the budget, the Appropriation Bill and 30 demands for grants without any discussion through a voice vote.

Earlier, arguing that as there was no major appreciation from any section of the House, Mr. Singla announced decision to withdraw the proposal made in the budget to earmark a sum of Rs 25 lakh to each legislator.

Mr. Singla clarified that to ensure that the fruits of urban development reached maximum people, the Government had decided to regularise only those unauthorised private residential colonies which were not constructed on encroached Government land. He also announced that the government was also contemplating to waive off tariff for supply of water and sewerage to dwelling constructed on plots not larger than six marla. This would benefit 2.5 lakh families.

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