Chandigarh, Dec 22 (NationPress) Punjab has formally requested central assistance to enhance its police infrastructure and security operations in districts that share a border with Pakistan, seeking a grant of Rs 1,000 crore, as stated in an official announcement on Sunday.
The state also sought industrial incentives akin to those offered to Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring hilly states to support MSMEs in Punjab’s border and sub-mountainous areas during a pre-budget meeting held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned that the state has requested the restoration of NABARD’s Short-Term Seasonal Agricultural Operations (ST-SAO) limit to Rs 3,041 crore, up from the current reduced limit of Rs 1,100 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.
He emphasized that this restoration is crucial to prevent farmers from resorting to moneylenders, noting that this issue was extensively discussed by several states.
For improving road connectivity under PM Gati Shakti, the state has asked for Rs 100 crore to build a 5.6-km, 45-m wide approach road linking National Highway 44 to the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Rajpura. This funding is vital for the timely completion of road construction and the successful execution of the industrial cluster.
The state government expressed appreciation for the Vande Bharat train service linking Amritsar with New Delhi and requested an additional Vande Bharat train to connect Bathinda, Punjab’s agricultural and commercial center, to the national capital, ensuring seamless connectivity for the Malwa region.
The minister also suggested financial aid to address crop residue management in Punjab, noting that despite the provision of 1.45 lakh crop residue management (CRM) machines since 2018, high operational costs remain a significant hurdle.
The state government proposed an incentive of Rs 2,500 per acre, with Rs 2,000 per acre from the Centre and Rs 500 per acre from the state. The total estimated cost of this initiative is Rs 2,000 crore, with the Centre requested to contribute Rs 1,600 crore as budgetary support.
Expressing gratitude to Union Finance Minister Sitharaman for the opportunity to present Punjab's suggestions, Cheema stated that Punjab's request for an incentive package to tackle the unique challenges posed by its proximity to a hostile border with Pakistan is essential for strengthening the state’s infrastructure and security efforts.
He remains hopeful that the forthcoming Union Budget will serve as a catalyst for enhancing citizen welfare, promoting regional development, and boosting economic growth.
