Punjab has been declared the number one state in transition economy in the State Competitiveness Awards-2012, organised by the Institute for Competitiveness (India) and Mint, a financial daily.
Punjab also got the top position in physical infrastructure, overall competitiveness and the state showing most significant promise for the future. Revenue and public relations minister Bikram Singh Majithia received the award on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Majithia said the award was a reflection of the people's mandate as they had put the stamp of approval on the SAD-BJP government's development vision.
"Punjab would take a giant leap in the industrial sector on Saturday as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would dedicate the Rs 21,500-crore Guru Gobind Singh refinery at Bathinda to the nation," he said.
Majithia added that Punjab had focused on the development and modernisation of cities by spending Rs 1,275 crore on Amritsar, Rs 971 crore on Ludhiana, Rs 882 crore on Jalandhar, Rs 380 crore on Bathinda, Rs 220 crore on Patiala and Rs 141 crore on slum development, besides Rs 4,000 crore on ensuring 100% water supply and improving the sewerage system in 141 towns.