Partap Singh Bajwa Advocates for Economic Stimulus Package for Punjab's Border Districts

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has urged the central government to provide a development package for Punjab's six border districts. These districts, which include Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar, require economic support to enhance their growth and stability.

Bajwa highlighted that these districts house over five million people according to the 2011 census. Despite contributing significantly to Punjab's agricultural output, they face industrial underdevelopment. He proposed a comprehensive economic stimulus package to address these issues.

Economic Incentives and Industrial Growth

Bajwa suggested that the Union government should offer tax holidays similar to those in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir from 2003 to 2013. These incentives attracted investments exceeding Rs 13,000 crore in Himachal alone. Such measures could encourage industries to set up units, creating jobs for local youth and tackling high unemployment rates.

In addition to tax incentives, Bajwa recommended subsidised power and land allocation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the border areas. He believes these districts could become hubs for agro-processing and light manufacturing units, reducing reliance on agriculture and generating at least 50,000 new jobs over five years.

Security Measures and Youth Involvement

To enhance security, Bajwa proposed forming village defence committees (VDCs) within a 5-km radius of the India-Pakistan border. This initiative would cover around 2,000 villages in Punjab. "Youth aged 18-35 should be trained in basic arms handling to support the police and paramilitary forces," he stated.

The Congress leader also emphasised the role of these volunteers in anti-drug operations and counter-espionage efforts. This is crucial given the rising threat of narco-terrorism in the region. Bajwa noted that Punjab Police data shows over 1,200 drone incursions from Pakistan in 2024 alone, often used for smuggling drugs and weapons.

Support for Volunteers

Bajwa suggested providing a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 for VDC volunteers. Additionally, he recommended insurance coverage and access to skill development programmes for them. An estimated 40,000 youth could participate in this initiative, costing the state approximately Rs 40 crore annually but offering significant security and social benefits.

The proposed measures aim to transform Punjab's border districts into thriving economic zones while enhancing security through community involvement. Bajwa's plan seeks to address both economic challenges and security threats faced by these regions.

With inputs from PTI