Chandigarh, April 22
The Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress on Tuesday criticised the AAP-led Punjab government over the rising debt burden, alleging that continued borrowing is pushing the state towards a serious financial crisis.
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also targeted the Bhagwant Mann government over the rising debt. He alleged that Punjab is being pushed into a debt trap while the government claims it does not have funds to pay dearness allowance to employees. Majithia said that within 20 days, the state’s debt has increased by Rs 2,800 crore despite earlier assurances by the AAP government to reduce borrowing. He said that Punjab’s total debt has crossed Rs 4 lakh crore and may soon reach Rs 5 lakh crore if the current pace continues.
He further alleged that while funds are available for advertisements and political activities, the government fails to meet financial obligations towards employees. Reiterating the borrowing figures, Majithia said the government had taken a loan of Rs 1,500 crore earlier this month, followed by another Rs 1,300 crore. The criticism from opposition parties adds to the ongoing political debate over Punjab’s financial position, with calls for greater fiscal discipline and transparency in managing the state’s debt.
Congress MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal said the state government raised a fresh loan of Rs 1,300 crore on April 21 after borrowing Rs 1,500 crore on April 2. He said that with the latest borrowing, the total loans taken in April have reached Rs 2,800 crore. Dhaliwal alleged that the situation in Punjab is beginning to resemble a financial emergency and called for immediate corrective measures to prevent further deterioration and ensure stability for future generations.
He said Punjab’s total debt has reached around Rs 4.17 lakh crore and warned that it could rise further if the current trend continues. Dhaliwal urged the government to present a clear, time-bound roadmap for debt management, improve transparency in public expenditure, and ensure that borrowed funds are used primarily for long-term asset creation and development works.
