PM confers 'best governance practice' award on Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conferred the 'best governance practice' award on the Punjab government for its "unique citizen-centric initiative to abolish non-statutory affidavits in the state".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conferred the 'best governance practice' award on the Punjab government for its "unique citizen-centric initiative to abolish non-statutory affidavits in the state".

Punjab pipped states such as Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka to win the honour.

The award was received by Punjab chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on the occasion of the ninth Civil Services Day.

An official spokesman for the chief minister's office said the award vindicated the state government's new approach to development and social sector goals.

He said Punjab had in 2010 become the first state in the country to abolish the practice of seeking affidavits.

Meanwhile, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal lauded the efforts of the Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, the department of governance reforms, the chief secretary and other officials of the state for making a landmark progressive initiative that had earned all-round attention and recognition. Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal also complemented the feat.