Chandigarh: Apna Punjab Media: Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the Union Budget 2024 as discriminatory towards Punjab. He said no amount has been earmarked for crop diversification or loan waiver for farmers in the state while the groundwater level has dropped to a record low. He said that no funds have been set aside for loan waiver of farmers of Punjab, who are currently in debt and are committing suicide out of frustration. The central government has also failed to provide legal guarantee to the MSP and no amount has been kept aside for the purchase of all crops at MSP. Farmers of Punjab and across the country are badly affected. Legal guarantee of MSP is very important to protect their interests. He said that this guarantee should be given as per the Swaminathan Commission.
Sukhbir said that nothing has been reserved even for the industrial area. Similarly, no concession has been given to Punjab, whereas due to special concessions given to neighboring states, the industries of Punjab are migrating from there. Sukhbir said that being a border state, Punjab should not be ignored like this.
