Amritsar, April 23 (K.L. Jit Walia): BJP state general secretary and former IAS officer Dr. Jagmohan Singh Raju has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a ₹10,000 crore integrated development package for Amritsar on the occasion of its upcoming 550th foundation year.
In his letter, Dr. Raju proposed that Amritsar be granted the status of a City Economic Region (CER) and that nearby districts be integrated to form a strong economic cluster. To boost investment and employment, he suggested the development of a plug-and-play industrial park under a comprehensive scheme. He also urged that the proposed ₹10,000 crore package be aligned with the National Infrastructure Program.
Highlighting the city’s historical importance, he mentioned that Amritsar is approaching 550 years since its establishment by Guru Ram Das. He emphasized that this milestone presents an opportunity to align the city’s development with national priorities and called for serious consideration of the proposal.
Dr. Raju further noted that the government’s focus on making heritage cities drivers of economic development provides a clear framework. He cited iconic religious and cultural sites such as Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Temple, and Ram Tirth Temple as symbols of India’s shared civilizational heritage.
Despite its global recognition and strategic border location, he pointed out that Amritsar’s economic potential remains underutilized. He stated that the city has the capability to emerge as a gateway for trade, logistics, and exports.
Concluding his letter, Dr. Raju said that a decision taken at this crucial time would honor the legacy of Guru Ram Das and transform Amritsar into a model for heritage-driven economic development under the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
KL JIT WALIA
