BJP Calls Punjab Budget a Serious Disappointment for Women and Farmers
Synopsis
The Punjab BJP's Ashwani Sharma criticizes the state Budget, deeming it a significant betrayal of women and a letdown for farmers and employees. He highlights insufficient allocations and unmet promises, raising concerns about the government's commitment to its constituents.
Key Takeaways
Punjab Budget criticized for inadequate support to women and farmers.
Only Rs 9,300 crore allocated for women's welfare.
Minimum support price not legally guaranteed for 24 crops.
Central government funds misrepresented as state funds.
Overall disappointment among citizens regarding health and employee services.
Chandigarh, March 8 (NationPress) The working President of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party, Ashwani Sharma, expressed on Sunday that the state Budget represents a significant betrayal of the mothers and sisters in Punjab, and is equally disheartening for farmers, public employees, and the average citizen.
In response to the proposed 2026-27 Budget, which outlines a total allocation of Rs 260,437 crore and estimates the state’s GSDP at Rs 980,635 crore with a projected growth rate of 10 percent, Sharma addressed the media, noting that the Aam Aadmi Party government, established on March 16, 2022, will mark its four-year term on March 16.
“If the Bhagwant Mann administration genuinely cared for women, it ought to have included a provision in the Budget to distribute Rs 48,000 to each woman for the past four years, calculated at Rs 1,000 per month,” he stated.
According to Sharma, while the government announced a one-time payment of Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,500 to women, it has not allocated sufficient funds for this initiative. Approximately Rs 15,000 crore is necessary for this program, yet only Rs 9,300 crore has been earmarked in the Budget.
“Additionally, the government has placed a registration requirement for this scheme. Just like the registration for the Rs 10 lakh health insurance plan has yet to be completed, it is evident that the registration for this new initiative will also be delayed, preventing women from receiving their entitled benefits,” remarked the BJP leader.
Sharma further asserted that farmers have been misled, as the minimum support price (MSP) for all 24 crops has not been provided, nor has there been a legal guarantee for it, in contradiction to electoral promises.
He accused the state government of misrepresenting funds from Central government programs as its own. “Road development projects worth approximately Rs 15,000 crore are funded by Central government schemes; housing for the underprivileged, totaling Rs 3,504 crore under AMRUT 2.0, and educational enhancements like new classrooms and computers are also financed through these Central funds,” he added.
Moreover, Sharma pointed out that the Budget has neglected health services and the welfare of employees, resulting in widespread disillusionment among the populace.
Point of View
The Punjab Budget has raised significant concerns among various stakeholders, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable groups such as women and farmers. The discontent expressed by the BJP highlights the need for a thorough evaluation of the government's priorities and commitments.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main criticisms of the Punjab Budget?
The Punjab Budget has been criticized for insufficient allocations for women's welfare and farmers, failing to deliver on promises such as the minimum support price.
How much has been allocated for women's welfare in the Budget?
Only Rs 9,300 crore has been allocated for women's welfare, despite a need of approximately Rs 15,000 crore.
What is the projected growth rate for Punjab's GSDP?
The projected growth rate for Punjab's GSDP is 10 percent.
Who is Ashwani Sharma?
Ashwani Sharma is the working President of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party.
When was the Aam Aadmi Party government established in Punjab?
The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab was established on March 16, 2022.
