Minister Cheema to Centre: Dole out aid to Punjab just like Afghanistan

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Cheema on Thursday called upon the Government of India to demonstrate the same humanitarian spirit towards Punjab as it has shown in extending aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. He questioned the Union Government's priorities, asking why relief materials were swiftly dispatched to Afghanistan, while flood-affected Punjab was facing delays in receiving financial and humanitarian assistance.

In a press communiqué issued here, Cheema emphasised that Punjab, a state that has consistently contributed to the nation’s food security and economic strength, deserves timely and adequate assistance in its hour of need. “If humanitarian aid can be sent across borders, then why the hesitation in helping our own people?” he questioned.

The minister urged the Centre to prioritise the welfare of flood-affected citizens and expedite the release of relief packages, infrastructure support, and rehabilitation measures. He reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to opt every measure in providing relief to flood-ravaged people. Giving a call to all to donate generously to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the Finance Minister assured the transparency and accountability in utilising any aid received, ensuring that every rupee reaches those who need it the most.

Meanwhile, welcoming the reduction in GST rates in favour of consumers, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been demanding it from the outset. He said the benefits of the new 2-slab GST rate structure should be passed on to the common people, making it more relatable and impactful, besides ensuring that those struggling with inflation can get relief. The Punjab Finance Minister also recalled that when the GST system was first introduced, all states supported it on the condition that the Centre would compensate them for any revenue loss until their economies stabilised. "The economies of the states are still not stable, and the latest GST rate cuts will have a further impact on them," said Finance Minister Cheema.

Calling on the Union Government to continue providing GST compensation, as promised, to states, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema argued that this support was crucial for ensuring fiscal stability, especially given the challenges and disasters many states are currently facing. Finance Minister Cheema specifically added that Punjab was experiencing its worst floods in four decades and urged the Union Government to provide both continued GST compensation and quick financial aid for flood victims.