Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, July 23-
Punjab FM Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly criticized the Union Budget for FY 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for neglecting the concerns of women, poor, and farmers. He also lamented that Punjab's interests have been completely disregarded in the Budget.
In a press communique issued here,Cheema highlighted the alarming consequences of slashing fertilizer subsidies in FY 2024-25. This drastic reduction will not only burden farmers of the nation but also adversely affect the Punjab economy, where agriculture is a vital sector. “This move is particularly concerning given the Union Government’s proclaimed commitment to prioritizing farmers' welfare and doubling their income. Moreover, the budget fails to provide a crucial Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for farmers, further exacerbating their uncertainty”, he added.
Finance Minister Cheema expressed disappointment that the Budget fails to provide any additional, targeted support for Punjab's farmers, who grapple with distinct challenges such as water management, crop diversification, and sustainability. He noted that, despite Punjab's susceptibility to flooding, the Budget neglects to allocate substantial, specific funds for flood management and irrigation projects that cater to the state's unique requirements. Cheema held the Union Government accountable for perpetuating financial disparities and regional imbalances.