Punjab's Concerns Overlooked in Union Budget, Claims Finance Minister

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accuses the BJP-led central government of ignoring Punjab's needs in the Union Budget. The minister criticized the absence of allocations for crucial sectors such as rural development, agriculture, and disaster management, emphasizing Punjab's longstanding contributions and sacrifices for national needs.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has raised serious concerns over the Union Budget presented by the BJP-led central government. According to Cheema, the budget completely sidelines Punjab's needs and fails to acknowledge its significant contributions to national food security.

Cheema criticized the budget for not mentioning Punjab and its significant pending rural development fund of Rs 8,500 crore. He labeled the financial plan as 'anti-farmer, anti-education, and anti-health,' saying it forces the state to fend for itself despite its sacrifices and responsibilities.

Highlighting the unchanged vertical devolution at 41% and absence of revenue deficit grants, Cheema accused the Centre of repeatedly ignoring state concerns, especially Punjab's, in disaster and agriculture funding. This oversight, he argues, contradicts the government's claims of being pro-farmer.

(With inputs from agencies.)