CHANDIGARH: Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance Minister Punjab Friday took stock of the state exchequer in his very first day in office and desired to see Punjab No. 1 state in the country.

Addressing the officers of the department immediately after assuming charge, Mr. Badal said that education, health and infrastructure development would be given top most priority while preparing the coming budget.

He also said that two projects aided by the World Bank for water supply, sanitation and roads have been finalized for the next four to five years. He expressed concern over the misutilization and wastage of funds every year. He asked the officers to be vigilant in utilizing the allocated funds and emphasized on proper execution of the plans and policies of the Punjab Government.

Adding further, the minister said that the provision for supplying foodgrains at lower rate to the poor   sections of the society would certainly be kept in the budget and the beneficiaries would be identified  only on merit. All the promises made with the public during elections would be fulfilled, he added. Budgetary provisions would be made in consultation with other departments, said  Badal.