On March 8, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema introduced the state’s fifth budget during a session in the assembly, which coincided with International Women’s Day. In his address, Cheema emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of various segments of society over the past four years.

Before delivering the budget details, Minister Cheema extended his wishes to women, highlighting the significance of the day. He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made history by being the first government to release a budget on Women’s Day. Cheema expressed pride in the achievements, saying, “First of all, on International Women’s Day, I congratulate all my mothers, sisters and children on behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party. Today, the historic budget of Punjab, which is being presented on Women’s Day, is a great honour for women.” He noted that no previous government had presented a budget on this occasion.

Opposition Criticizes Government for Unfulfilled Promises

Leader of the Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, criticized the AAP-led government headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly failing to deliver on the promises made during the elections. Bajwa claimed that the government was poised to announce financial assistance just ahead of the elections. He remarked, “When they took the vote, Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann promised that women would be given Rs 1,000 after forming the government. Forty-eight months have passed. They are announcing after 48 months.” According to Bajwa, inside sources from the government suggest that an announcement regarding financial aid would take place soon, with payments expected to commence in August.

Bajwa further mentioned that there were discussions on requesting the BJP to expedite elections by two to three months, implying that the financial aid could be a tactic to sway voters.

Concerns Raised About Previous Commitments

Congress MLA Pargat Singh posed questions regarding the status of medical colleges promised in the first budget under the AAP government. “It would have been better if the pension of the disabled, widows, and the elderly was increased by one thousand rupees, which was also mentioned in their manifesto, but unfortunately, they did not do that,” Singh said. He also challenged the government to clarify whether the promised 16 medical colleges had been established.

In a related incident, women leaders and members of the Punjab Congress, including Aekom Warring, daughter of Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring, protested against the state government for failing to provide the promised Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for women, as outlined in the election manifesto. The protesting group was subsequently detained by law enforcement.

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