Punjab Finance Minister Accuses Centre of Deliberate Neglect in Union Budget
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government on Monday, alleging a pattern of "complete ignorance" toward the state's legitimate needs in the recently presented Union Budget. Cheema expressed deep disappointment that the financial document contained no mention of Punjab whatsoever, despite the state's critical contributions to national food security.
Key Concerns Over Rural Development Fund and Fiscal Policies
The finance minister highlighted the conspicuous absence of any reference to the long-pending Rural Development Fund (RDF), amounting to Rs 8,500 crore, which he stated is rightfully due to Punjab. He characterized the budget as fundamentally "anti-farmer, anti-education, and anti-health," arguing that it forces Punjab to manage its affairs independently while bearing disproportionate burdens.
Cheema elaborated that the state continues to shoulder responsibilities related to national food reserves, cope with repeated natural calamities, and fulfill RDF-related obligations without adequate central support. He described the budget as a "deliberate attempt to derail" Punjab's growth trajectory, a state he said has made unparalleled sacrifices for the nation.
Twelve Years of Alleged Sidelining and Ignored Memorandums
In a pointed criticism, Cheema noted that this marks the 12th consecutive year Punjab has been "completely sidelined" in budgets presented by the BJP-led central government. He revealed that a detailed memorandum submitted by Punjab to the Union Finance Minister has been "blatantly ignored."
"Punjab has always stood firm in the defence of the country and has not reduced its contribution to the central pool. In fact, our contribution has increased every year," Cheema asserted. He connected this continuous replenishment of national food reserves to severe local consequences, noting that 117 blocks of the state's groundwater have now entered the dark zone due to over-exploitation.
Criticism of the 16th Finance Commission's Approach
The finance minister took strong exception to the approach adopted by the 16th Finance Commission, accusing the Centre of turning "a blind eye towards the states." He argued that the poor financial condition of states has been entirely overlooked in fiscal planning.
Cheema pointed out that the vertical devolution—the total share of all states in the central tax pool—has been kept unchanged at 41 percent, with no increase whatsoever despite mounting fiscal stress faced by state governments. He contrasted this with the 15th Finance Commission, which had recommended revenue deficit grants, a provision conspicuously absent in the current commission's recommendations.
Restrictive Disaster Funds and Hollow Pro-Farmer Claims
Cheema also criticized what he termed "overly restrictive" conditions imposed on the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), warning that these would severely hamper states like Punjab in effectively mitigating and managing disasters.
Turning to agricultural concerns, the minister accused the Union government of exposing its "hollow claims" of being pro-farmer by once again ignoring the legitimate concerns of Punjab's agricultural community. "There is neither any increase in the agriculture infrastructure fund nor any concrete assistance to strengthen mandi infrastructure. There is absolutely nothing for farmers of Punjab," he stated emphatically.
Cheema concluded that states would now be compelled to address these critical areas from their own limited resources. "The budget talks about high-value crops but has completely left out Punjab," he added, underscoring what he perceives as a systematic exclusion of the state from national development narratives.
