Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian on Friday publicly reprimanded senior officials of his department after arriving nearly one-and-a-half hours late for the scheduled inauguration of a bio-fertiliser testing laboratory in Bathinda. The minister expressed his anger over the lack of communication regarding the event's location and timing.
Minister's Public Rebuke
In the presence of Director Agriculture Gurjit Singh Brar, Khuddian rebuked the Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Bathinda, and other officials. He questioned why he had not been informed about the exact location and timing after reaching Bathinda. "I reached Bathinda one-and-a-half hours ago, but none of you contacted me. I even held a meeting at the District Administrative Complex. You all are making a mockery of me," the minister said.
Warning of Action
Khuddian warned officials of possible action over the lapse. He also reprimanded his personal staff for the communication failure. The incident highlighted a breakdown in coordination between the minister's office and local agriculture department officials.
Officials' Clarification
Harpreet Pal Kaur, Chief Agriculture Officer, Bathinda, clarified that she had personally shared the location, timing, and programme details with the minister's staff through messages. She attributed the issue to miscommunication. Another official noted that he had remained at the venue until late at night and returned in the morning to ensure no glitches in arrangements.
Laboratory Significance
Later, the minister stated that the bio-fertiliser testing laboratory is the first of its kind in Punjab. It will benefit farmers by providing improved testing facilities, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region.
