Ludhiana: Union MSME (micro small and medium enterprises) minister
Giriraj Singh, who was in Ludhiana on Monday, refused to comment on the recent court verdict in 2G scam. "I do not want to comment on the judgement of the court. But the culprits responsible for this scam will not go unpunished. It is beyond doubt that 2G scam did take place"
Singh was all praises for Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh. The minister gave credit to the chief minister for the party's win in the recently-held assembly and MC elections in Punjab. When asked about Congress party's win in the assembly election earlier this year, Singh said, "It is not win of Congress party or Rahul Gandhi but win of Captain Amarinder Singh for whom Punjabis voted for. If Congress' defeat in Himachal Pradesh is not considered as a defeat of Rahul Gandhi then win in Punjab can also not be considered Rahul Gandhi's win." When asked about BJP-Akali coalition debacle in the assembly polls, Singh said, "Whereas question of our coalition losing in Punjab is concerned we are analysing the reasons of our defeat in the state."
In response to a question that Punjab government claims that the Centre does not support the state, he said, "Captain can never say this that the Centre government does not cooperate with his government. We are extending every possible help to Punjab and even all the state governments. Central government is giving 80% share to the states in GST. No government can claim that they are facing any kind of indifference from our government."
Speaking on the issue of hardships being faced by businessmen under GST, Giriraj Said, "Our government understands the problems of the businessmen and stands committed to solve every problem they face. The recent reduction in tax rates of a large number of items from 28 to 18 percent is an example of our commitment. By March 2018, there will be more changes for which discussions and formalities are already under process."
Replying to a question on the working of MSME department, Ludhiana, minister said, "Ludhiana office is working absolutely fine and the officials are extending every possible help to the industrialists especially those from micro and small sectors. In fact, a large number of businessmen are coming forward to avail the schemes and incentives being offered by the Centre, which proves that functioning of our department is going on smoothly." The minister was in Ludhiana to preside over meeting of the MSME department.
