Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, criticized the Budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, calling it a collection of grand announcements without addressing the urgent need to revive the state’s economy. Bajwa expressed disappointment in the lack of a clear economic vision from the AAP government to boost employment and industry or enhance the state’s financial well-being.
Bajwa accused the AAP government of focusing on making impressive claims and announcements without providing a solid plan for economic recovery and job creation. He questioned the delayed fulfillment of promises, particularly highlighting the Rs 1000 monthly scheme for women announced four years into the government’s tenure, despite being a key pledge during the 2022 Assembly elections.
Additionally, Bajwa raised concerns about the significant increase in Punjab’s debt under the AAP administration. Noting that the state’s debt has risen from around Rs 2.84 lakh crore to nearly Rs 4.17 lakh crore since AAP took office, he criticized the government for burdening Punjab’s future with unsustainable financial practices and populist measures.
The Leader of Opposition emphasized the Budget’s failure to provide a credible strategy for attracting genuine investments and establishing long-term employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab. Despite the government’s claims of receiving investment proposals worth substantial amounts, Bajwa pointed out the lack of clarity on the actual implementation of these proposals into tangible industries within the state.
