SAD Pressures Punjab Govt to Allocate Funds for Promised Schemes
Synopsis
The Shiromani Akali Dal has called on Punjab's Finance Minister to ensure funding for key promises affecting women, youth, and farmers, or face potential protests during the upcoming elections. This demand reflects widespread discontent with the current government's unfulfilled commitments.
Key Takeaways
SAD demands funding for unfulfilled promises.
Potential protests could occur if demands are unmet.
Significant financial allocations are requested for various schemes.
Focus on women's and youth financial support.
Calls for transparency in health insurance allocations.
Chandigarh, March 5 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has urged Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to allocate necessary funds to deliver on commitments made to women, farmers, public sector employees, and the general populace. Failure to do so could lead to a 'gherao' of party legislators during their campaigning in the upcoming 2027 state Assembly elections.
During a press conference, senior SAD figure N.K. Sharma stated, "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has let down every segment of society. We (SAD) are demanding that Finance Minister Harpal Cheema allocate Rs 1.57 lakh crore for various promised schemes in the next budget."
Sharma highlighted that the AAP had pledged a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for all women over the age of 18 in Punjab.
"This initiative was intended to benefit one crore women. The total amount owed to these women for the past 60 months of AAP governance stands at Rs 60,000 crore. The Finance Minister must guarantee this allocation in the upcoming budget to uphold the party's commitment," he asserted.
He noted that the youth of Punjab were promised an unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 monthly, with approximately 22.60 lakh registered unemployed youth on the Rozgar Portal.
"To fulfill these promises, the government must set aside Rs 40,000 crore for the youth," he added.
Furthermore, Sharma insisted that the AAP government had pledged health insurance of Rs 10 lakh for each citizen in Punjab, necessitating an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for this initiative.
"In the previous budget, only Rs 773 crore was earmarked for this scheme, which was misappropriated for advertising. I urge the Finance Minister to present a list of individuals who have benefited from this insurance scheme to clarify the situation," he stated.
Sharma also pointed out that farmers have yet to receive Rs 12,000 crore in compensation from the Central disaster relief fund, which he claims has been mismanaged by the AAP-led state government.
Additionally, he called for Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to allocate Rs 10,000 crore for implementing the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, alongside the Pay Commission and the release of a 16% Dearness Allowance.
Lastly, he urged the state government to allocate Rs 10,000 crore to the state electricity utility for settling dues and to ensure that industrial power is provided at Rs five per unit as promised.
Point of View
Especially as Punjab approaches its next Assembly elections. The party's insistence on funding allocations reflects a broader accountability issue within the current administration.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shiromani Akali Dal asking from the Punjab government?
The Shiromani Akali Dal is demanding that Punjab's Finance Minister allocate funds to fulfill various promises made to women, farmers, and government employees.
How much funding does the SAD claim is necessary?
SAD has requested a total allocation of Rs 1.57 lakh crore to cover various schemes and promises.
What specific promises are being highlighted?
Promises include financial allowances for women and youth, health insurance for citizens, and compensation for farmers.
What are the potential consequences if the government does not allocate these funds?
The SAD has warned of possible protests or 'gherao' of legislators as they campaign in towns and villages.
What did Sharma say about the previous budget allocations?
Sharma criticized the previous budget for misusing funds meant for health insurance, primarily for advertising instead of direct benefits.
