On February 2, Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed strong discontent regarding the Union Budget, claiming that the state has been "completely ignored" by the BJP-led central government. Cheema pointed out that there was no mention of Punjab in the budget, nor was there any reference to the overdue rural development fund (RDF) amounting to ₹8,500 crore that the state is legitimately owed.
Cheema characterized the budget as "anti-farmer, anti-education, and anti-health," emphasizing that Punjab, despite its critical role in national food security and enduring the impacts of natural calamities, has been left to fend for itself. He stated that the budget represents a deliberate attempt to derail the state's growth, especially after its sacrifices for the nation.
- Repeated neglect — This marks the 12th consecutive year that Punjab has been sidelined in the Union Budget.
- Fiscal challenges ignored — Cheema noted that the financial strain on states due to unchanged vertical devolution rates has been overlooked.
- Farmers' concerns dismissed — The budget fails to address crucial agricultural infrastructure needs and support for farmers.
According to Cheema, the memorandum submitted by Punjab to the Union Finance Minister was blatantly ignored, despite the state's increased contributions to the central pool over the years. He stressed that Punjab has faced severe groundwater depletion due to its commitment to replenishing the country’s food reserves, with numerous blocks now in the dark zone.
Critics of the budget also highlighted the restrictive conditions imposed on the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which could hamper Punjab's ability to manage disasters effectively. Cheema's remarks underscore a growing concern among state leaders regarding the central government’s fiscal policies and their implications for state development and welfare.
