Pitch for Border Incentives, Water Rights, Industrial Boost, and Support for Crop Diversification to Niti Aayog 

THE NEWS DOSE DESK

Chandigarh, June 26,UPDATED:8.10PM
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann presented a compelling case before a visiting high-level team of NITI Aayog, seeking strong central support to address the state’s unique geographical, economic, and agrarian challenges. The CM pressed for incentives for border districts, financial assistance for agriculture and industry, resolution of water-sharing disputes, and upgraded infrastructure to combat cross-border smuggling.
Border Districts: Special Package and Security Measures Sought

Highlighting that Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan, Mann sought a special incentive package on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and J&K. He demanded-Agro food processing zones in each border district, Exhibition-cum-convention centre in Amritsar, PLI scheme for the agro sector and tax benefits for textiles, Freight subsidy, subsidised interest rates, and upgraded industrial focal points.

Compensation for 17,000+ acres of land between the border and fencing to be raised from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per acre per year — to be paid entirely by the Centre

To check drug and arms smuggling, he urged a ₹2,829 crore allocation for advanced infrastructure, including jammers, covering the 4/5th border stretch currently unprotected by such systems. He also called for strengthening the Border Wing Home Guards Scheme and raising the duty allowance to ₹655/day from the outdated ₹45/day fixed in 1999.
Urgent Measures to Safeguard Border Villages and Infrastructure

Calling for war-resilient border regions, Mann recommended:

Bunkers and air shelters for civilians

Alternate routes to border villages, Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs)

Smart streetlights, trauma centres, and real-time communication equipment

Integration with BSF, Army, Air Force, and cybersecurity reinforcement

District-level command-and-control centres and capacity building for civil defence

He further urged revision of the Vibrant Village Program, stating Punjab has 1,500 villages within 10 km of the border, but only 101 have been covered under the scheme so far.
Industrial Revival: From Bicycles to Semiconductors

CM  pushed for a comprehensive industrial package, seeking:

Expansion of High-Tech Valley Industrial Park, Ludhiana, under SPV mode

Creation of Bicycle Export Zones, Sports Goods Export Zones (Jalandhar), and Auto Export Zones (Mohali)

Extension of PLI schemes to bicycles, e-bikes, and components

R&D facilities, skill development centres, and a ₹2,000 crore SEZ package

Development of Industrial Corridors along Bharatmala, expansion of Semiconductor Lab, and STPI hubs

He emphasised increasing Punjab’s manufacturing contribution from 14.4% to 25% by 2047.
Agriculture: Push for Diversification and Support for Cotton

To reduce dependence on water-intensive paddy, Mann urged support for alternative crops. During the Kharif 2025 season, Punjab launched a pilot maize cultivation program with an incentive of ₹17,500 per hectare. He requested the Centre to extend this support across the state.

On cotton, he demanded: fast-tracked resistant seed technology against pink bollworm (PBW), Assistance for Mating Disruption Technology and AI-based PBW traps, Mechanisation support, and subsidised seeds; acreage-based incentives to promote cotton as a water-saving alternative to paddy.

  Groundwater crisis raised

Punjab has no surplus water to share. The SYL canal should be scrapped in favour of the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL). Punjab must be included in Yamuna water-sharing negotiations, as per the 1954 pact. The demand for Punjab’s rightful share of Yamuna waters has been neglected so far. Mann cited a 1972 Irrigation Commission report placing post-reorganisation Punjab within the Yamuna basin, justifying Punjab’s stake.
Allegations of Bias by BBMB, Need for Harike Desilting

The CM accused the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) of adopting a biased approach by sidelining Punjab officers and altering appointment norms against the federal spirit. He urged the restoration of state-specific representation and adherence to the Punjab Reorganisation Act.

He also highlighted the need for ₹600 crore for the desilting of the Harike Headworks, which is essential for managing flood threats and regulating water flow into Rajasthan and Pakistan.
Indus Waters and National Food Security

Mann insisted that Punjab must be prioritised in the allocation of Indus River waters, noting its historic role in feeding the nation. He stated that with India reclaiming the Indus waters, Punjab has the first right to irrigation, citing its strategic, geographic, and agricultural significance.