The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called on Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to allocate funds to fulfill commitments made to various segments of society. The party warned of a ‘gherao’ by its legislators during the 2027 state Assembly elections campaign if promises to women, farmers, government employees, and the public are not met. SAD leader N.K. Sharma emphasized the need for allocating Rs 1.57 lakh crore for schemes pledged by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Sharma highlighted the AAP’s pledge to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to all women above 18 years in Punjab, amounting to Rs 60,000 crore for the 60-month tenure. Additionally, the promise of an unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 per month for 22.60 lakh registered unemployed youth requires an allocation of Rs 40,000 crore. The SAD leader also stressed the need for allocating Rs 10,000 crore for health insurance of 10 lakh citizens in Punjab.
Furthermore, Sharma pointed out the non-payment of a Rs 12,000 crore compensation to farmers from the Central disaster relief fund. He urged the Finance Minister to set aside Rs 10,000 crore for implementing the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, along with other financial commitments. The SAD leader also called for allocations to clear dues to the state electricity utility and ensure industry receives power at Rs five per unit as promised.
