Opposition Criticises Punjab Budget as Disappointing and Full of Lies

The Punjab state budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has faced strong criticism from opposition parties. The Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal have accused the Bhagwant Mann government of failing to deliver on key promises, particularly the pledge of Rs 1,000 per month for women. This promise was a significant part of the AAP's election campaign.

Finance Minister Cheema unveiled a Rs 2.36 lakh crore budget for 2025-26. The budget aims to address the drug problem, expand health insurance to all families, and double the annual insurance cover to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, a Rangla Punjab Vikas scheme is planned for comprehensive development.

Opposition Criticism of Budget

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the budget as lacking vision for Punjab's development. He noted the absence of new initiatives for farmers and industrialists. Chugh also highlighted the government's failure to fulfil its electoral promises, leaving women across the state disappointed.

Chugh expressed concern over the rising state debt, which he believes indicates poor economic management by the AAP government. He pointed out that the budget does not address micro, small and medium enterprises or offer new employment opportunities.

Concerns Over Debt and Employment

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa dismissed the budget as deceitful and disappointing. He argued that Finance Minister Cheema ignored various sections of society, including women, farmers, students, and businesses. Bajwa highlighted that Punjab has become one of India's most debt-ridden states under AAP's rule.

Bajwa revealed that in 2025-26, the government plans to borrow Rs 49,900 crore, raising the state's outstanding debt to Rs 3.96 lakh crore by next year. When AAP took power in March 2022, Punjab's debt stood at Rs 2.73 lakh crore.

Sectoral Allocations Under Scrutiny

The agriculture sector received an allocation of Rs 14,524 crore, which Bajwa described as inadequate for Punjab's farmers. He criticised the government's inability to significantly enhance budgets for education and health sectors, leaving weaker sections without quality services.

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government of betraying Punjabis by reneging on promises made in their state budget. Badal claimed discrimination against farmers, women, youth, traders, state employees and weaker sections.

Unfulfilled Promises Highlighted

Badal noted that only Rs 10,000 crore was allocated for capital expenditure while state debt will rise to Rs 4.17 lakh crore. He said this leaves virtually no funds for development projects. The promised Rs 1,000 monthly payment to women was not mentioned in the budget.

Badal also pointed out that there is no unemployment allowance for youth or an increase in old age pensions to Rs 2,500 as promised. The government has not planned to boost electricity generation or allocate funds for a new thermal power plant.

Government Employees and Drug Eradication

Government employees were also let down with no funds earmarked for implementing the old pension scheme despite its notification being issued by the government. Badal criticised shifting the timeline for drug eradication by two years as an admission of failure.

The SAD leader noted that while AAP had announced plans for 16 new medical colleges, only one college is now planned in the next two years according to the budget.

The opposition's criticisms highlight concerns over unfulfilled promises and inadequate allocations in key sectors like agriculture and industry. The rising state debt remains a significant issue under AAP's governance in Punjab.