Punjab Budget session: Congress MLAs stage walkout; Bajwa seeks White Paper on CM's claims on providing 52,000 jobs
PTC Web Desk: The second day of the Punjab Budget Session on Monday began with significant disruptions. The House had to be adjourned till 2.30 pm amid protests and a walkout by Congress legislators.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress MLA Partap Singh Bajwa questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s claim that his government had provided 52,000 jobs in three years. Bajwa demanded a White Paper on the matter and called for the public disclosure of details, including the names, addresses, and departments of those employed. He also urged the government to clarify the proportion of Punjabi and non-Punjabi beneficiaries.
BJP MLA Ashwani Kumar raised concerns about drug eradication during Zero Hour. However, the Speaker reiterated that only Assembly-related questions should be raised.
Following this, Congress MLAs staged a walkout. Outside the Assembly, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged that opposition members were not being given an opportunity to speak. Bajwa claimed that Congress legislators were being physically pushed. However, Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh continued to participate in the session. Consequently, the House was adjourned until 2.30 pm.
The Speaker allotted specific time slots for different parties during the session. AAP’s 93 MLAs were granted 2.23 hours, while Congress’ 16 MLAs received 25 minutes. SAD's three MLAs were given five minutes, BJP’s two MLAs were allocated three minutes, and BSP’s sole MLA, along with an independent legislator, received two minutes each. Bajwa was granted an additional 20 minutes.
The issue of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) was also raised. BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma highlighted the deteriorating condition of link roads in his constituency. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh responded that the RDF amount had not been received, compelling the state to take loans from NABARD for road repairs. He added that if the Centre released RDF funds, infrastructure development would accelerate. Sharma assured support for the government in securing the funds.
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak addressed concerns regarding ration cards, stating that a woman can have her name added to her in-laws' ration card after marriage, provided the family already possesses one. He noted that, per the 2011 census, only 51% of Punjab’s population (1.41 crore people) qualifies as ration cardholders. The Centre, however, has not permitted an increase beyond this limit.
Outside the Assembly, Bajwa criticised the government, stating that Punjab had become a ‘sick state’ rather than the promised ‘vibrant Punjab.’ He accused the ruling AAP of failing to curb crime, citing instances like tractor theft involving an AAP leader. He also questioned the government’s inaction on drug-related corruption and the lack of a raid on the dismissed AIG’s residence.
Bajwa further criticised the Governor’s address, claiming it was the first time in 75 years that it was not delivered in the local language. He also raised concerns about three US Air Force flights landing in Amritsar, alleging that some detainees aboard were handcuffed and not wearing turbans. He questioned whether the Chief Minister had taken up the issue with the Prime Minister and why the flights were specifically routed to Amritsar.
Health Minister Balbir Singh detailed steps to reduce road accident fatalities. The government has empaneled private hospitals along state and national highways to provide free emergency treatment to accident victims. Additionally, four-tier trauma centres are being established, and a road safety force is operational.
Congress boycotts Governor’s address
The Punjab Budget session commenced on March 21, with opposition parties strongly opposing the government over farmers' issues and the alleged assault on a Colonel. The Congress boycotted the Governor’s address.
Following Assembly discussions, the Punjab Government registered a fresh FIR in the Colonel’s case, naming accused police officers. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by three officers was constituted, and police protection was granted to the victim’s family.
- PTC NEWS
