Punjab’s political parties united on Monday to present their common stand before the 16th Finance Commission, raising key issues of the state and demanding special grants and schemes from the commission. Political parties have appealed to the commission to recommend its recommendations in the interest of Punjab while submitting its report to the central government. In which special funds have been demanded for economic development, agricultural diversification, sustainability and farmer welfare, industrial development and infrastructural development besides special funds for social welfare, education, health care and development of medical infrastructure.
The parties sought help from the Center highlighting Punjab’s important contribution to the country’s food security, sacrifice of military personnel and cultural heritage. Giving a joint presentation, the political parties of Punjab set aside their ideological differences and proved their commitment to the larger interest of the state. The Finance Commission’s recommendations will prove crucial in deciding the future of Punjab and all parties expect a positive response from the Commission.
Representatives of these political parties participated
Representatives of political parties who presented the state’s case before the Finance Commission include Aam Aadmi Party Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, MLAs Kulwant Singh, Jagarup Singh Gill and AAP’s Gurinder Singh Gary Wedding, Congress’ former Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla, former MLA Kuldeep Singh. Singh Singh Vaid and Hardeep Singh Kingra, former Akali Dal ministers Daljit Singh Cheema and Maheshinder Singh Grewal, BJP’s Dr. Jagmohan Singh Raju and Harjit Singh Grewal and BSP state president Jasbir Singh Garhi and party MLA Dr.
Local Bodies Department Rs. 9,426.49 crore was demanded
Local Government Department of Punjab to improve civic amenities in urban areas Rs. A comprehensive proposal was submitted to the 16th Finance Commission with a demand of Rs 9,426.49 crore. The department allocated funds for fire services (Rs 1,626 crore), storm water drainage (Rs 4,067.49 crore), sewerage and STP (Rs 3,133 crore), sustainable urban transport (Rs 500 crore) and state bodies. is (Rs. 100 crores) has been prepared for a special outline of funding.
The department also provided an overview of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Punjab, highlighting their performance including classification and population distribution, urbanization trends, major sources of revenue and various other indicators. On this occasion Patiala Urban MLA and former Mayor Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Chairman Municipal Council Bhadau Manish Kumar and Chairman Municipal Council Mandi Govindgarh Harpreet Singh Prince also shared their valuable views with the Finance Commission and requested that while submitting the Government of India’s recommendations, their report Be sure to include demands.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats also spent Rs. 10,000 crore funds were demanded
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayat Department, during a meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, has sought an increase in funds for the development of rural local units in the state. In a presentation during the meeting, the department highlighted its key priority areas, including groundwater recharging, waste water management, solid waste management, sustainable energy and maintenance of common wealth.
Alok Shekhar, Additional Chief Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayats, representing the state, informed the 16th Finance Commission of Rs. 10,000 crore was requested to provide additional funds, of which Rs. 8,000 crore as Tide Fund and Rs. 2,000 crore, which will help the successful implementation of important initiatives of the department.
