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Chandigarh: Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday sharply criticised the state Budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, describing it as a collection of announcements that lacks a clear economic vision for Punjab’s future.
Bajwa said the Budget fails to present a comprehensive roadmap for employment generation, industrial revival and fiscal stability, and instead focuses largely on populist promises without addressing the structural challenges facing the state’s economy.
Questions the Government’s Claims on Poll Guarantees
The senior Congress leader also questioned the Aam Aadmi Party government’s claim that it had fulfilled its electoral guarantees.
He pointed out that the much-publicised promise of providing ₹1,000 per month to women had been announced only after four years in power, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to its pledges.
“The government claims that all its guarantees have been fulfilled, but the promise of financial assistance to women has come only now, at the end of its tenure,” Bajwa said.
Concern Over Rising State Debt
Bajwa also expressed serious concern over Punjab’s mounting debt burden, stating that the state’s financial liabilities had risen sharply since the AAP government assumed office.
According to him, Punjab’s debt has increased from around ₹2.84 lakh crore in 2022, when the current government came to power, to nearly ₹4.17 lakh crore. He said the Budget fails to explain how the government plans to manage the growing debt or strengthen the state’s financial health, which remains a key concern for the economy.
No Strategy for Investment or Jobs
Criticising the Budget further, Bajwa said it does not offer a credible strategy to attract fresh investments, revive industry or generate sustainable employment opportunities.
He added that the absence of a clear economic plan is particularly worrying at a time when Punjab’s youth are increasingly migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.
“The Budget does not inspire confidence that the government has a long-term plan for economic growth. Without a strong investment climate and job creation strategy, the migration of young people will continue,” he said. Bajwa urged the government to focus on structural economic reforms, industrial revival and employment generation, rather than relying solely on welfare announcements.
