Punjab Requests Rs 1,000 Crore Central Assistance for Infrastructure at Pre-Budget Meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman

Punjab has requested Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre to enhance police infrastructure and security in border districts. This was among several demands made during a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer. The Punjab government also seeks industrial incentives similar to those given to Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring hill states to support MSMEs in border and sub-mountainous areas.

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Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the need to restore NABARD's Short-Term Seasonal Agricultural Operations limit to Rs 3,041 crore for FY 2024-25. This is crucial to prevent farmers from relying on moneylenders, aligning with the Sahakar se Samriddhi principle. Cheema noted that this issue was extensively discussed by several states during the meeting.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Initiatives

The Punjab government has requested Rs 100 crore for constructing a 5.6 km approach road under PM Gati Shakti in Rajpura. This road will connect NH-44 to the integrated manufacturing cluster, ensuring timely completion of the project. Cheema emphasised that this funding is vital for the successful implementation of the industrial cluster.

Additionally, Punjab seeks a Vande Bharat train connecting Bathinda with New Delhi. This would improve connectivity for Bathinda, an agricultural and commercial hub, with the national capital, benefiting the Malwa region.

Environmental and Agricultural Support

Cheema proposed financial support for crop residue management in Punjab. Despite distributing 1.45 lakh CRM machines since 2018, high operational costs remain a challenge. The state suggests an incentive of Rs 2,500 per acre, with Rs 2,000 from the Centre and Rs 500 from the state. Out of the estimated Rs 2,000 crore cost for this initiative, Punjab requests Rs 1,600 crore from the Centre.

The state also seeks special budgetary allocation for paddy diversification across 10 lakh hectares. This could save over Rs 30,000 crore, and Punjab proposes using part of these savings for a comprehensive diversification package.

Social Welfare and Urban Development

For the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin scheme, Cheema proposed increasing grants from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per beneficiary due to rising construction costs. He also urged releasing pending funds under the National Health Mission amounting to Rs 1,119 crore.

Punjab requested support for urban transportation with Rs 300 crore for procuring 250 electric buses and installing charging points. The state also called for reimbursement of procurement costs by the Centre and modernisation of driving licence testing facilities using advanced technology.

Cheema expressed gratitude to Sitharaman for allowing Punjab to present its suggestions. He stressed that an incentive package is crucial due to Punjab's proximity to a hostile border with Pakistan. Cheema hopes that the upcoming Union Budget will boost citizen welfare, regional development, and economic growth.