In an informal chat with media persons here after attending a Baisaki function of Punjabi Association, Mumbai, the governor stated that life is absolutely peaceful in the State and the law and order situation is under full control of the law enforcing agencies which was evident from the peaceful Lok Sabha elections.

Not a single incident of violence or booth-capturing was reported from any part of the State in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, he said adding that now Punjab could be called as the most peaceful State in the country.

Chhibber stated that the economy of the State is touching new heights with good agricultural production and efforts are also being made to balance the industrial sector. He admitted that Punjab is behind industrially-progressiveStates like Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, but is making efforts to being in the map of industrial states by floating several schemes for the benefit of industrialists.

The State is also making efforts to promote the small-scale sector. Chhibber who arrived here yesterday, earlier met Maharashtra Governor Dr PC Alexander and discussed several wide-ranging issues. The function of the Punjabi Association was organised by city sheriff Kulwant Singh Kohli. Today the governor visited the Siddhivinayak temple and a church.

He said that the general phase of recession in the country has affected the State, and pointed out that officials are working out on strategies to minimise cost of production. ``We are trying to orchestrate our administration and trying to simplify the rules and regulations for overall industrial development, he said and pointed out that the State will be focussing more on agro-based industries as these have greater scope taking into consideration the State's agricultural background.

Heinformed that Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal has already initiated several steps and the state administration is constantly in touch with non-resident Indians and big companies which are potential sources of investment.

Talking about educational facilities in the State, Chhibber said that already a technical university has been formed and on the same lines, the administration is trying to set up a medical university. All medical and engineering institutes and colleges will be brought under the purview of this university.

Chhibber, a retired senior army officer who was also in charge of `Operation Rakshak', ruled out any immediate solution to the dispute about Chandigarh.

He said, in Chandigarh the State Government has undertaken a Rs 40-crore project to set up Beant Singh memorial complex which will be surrounded by gardens. The State has also undertaken a huge project to construct a state-of-the-art exhibition ground on the pattern of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.