AAP MP Raghav Chadha demands release of thousands of crores in pending funds for Punjab in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, 31 July 2024: In a fiery address to the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Punjab, Raghav Chadha, has demanded the immediate release of thousands of crores in withheld funds for Punjab, pointing out towards the Central Government's stalling crucial development works in Punjab. The AAP MP highlighted the ₹5,600 crores Rural Development Fund (RDF), ₹1,100 crores Mandi Development Fund (MDF), ₹1,100 crores for National Health Mission Funds, ₹180 crores for ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’, and ₹1,800 crores for special capital assistance have been withheld by the centre, underscoring Punjab's pivotal role in the nation's progress and the sacrifices of its farmers. Raghav Chadha appealed for the funds' release on behalf of 3 crore Punjabis, emphasizing the urgent need to complete development projects.

Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha raised an important and persistent issue of ‘Concern Over Development Works in Punjab’ in the Rajya Sabha. The AAP MP said, “Today, as a representative of Punjab, I have stood up to speak for the rights of my state, Punjab. Punjab is the state that has made the most sacrifices for the country. Punjab gave the country the ‘Green Revolution’ and fed the country in difficult times.”

Recounting the contribution of Punjab and its people in the country's development, the AAP MP from Punjab mentioned, “Since the independence of the country till today, Punjab and Punjabis have done a lot for the country. Punjab is called the ‘bread basket’ of India. Our farmers have given everything for the country, today I stand here as the voice of those farmers.”

Highlighting the long due funds of Punjab, the AAP MP further added that Today, thousands of crores of rupees for various schemes of Punjab which the Centre is supposed to give us, are withheld. ₹5600 crores of pending Rural Development Fund, ₹1100 crores of Mandi Development Fund, ₹1100 crores of National Health Mission, ₹180 crores of ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ (Education), ₹1800 crores of Special assistance for Capital Creation.

“We have repeatedly demanded the release of these funds. Today, I once again appeal to the Central Government on behalf of 3 crore Punjabis to release our funds so that development work can be completed in Punjab,” appealed MP Raghav Chadha.
It's to be noted that the Central government has withheld the rightful share of Punjab, totaling ₹9,780 crore approximately, on account of National Health Mission (NHM), Rural Development Fund (RDF), Mandi Development Fund (MDF), Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment which has directly affected developmental works and placed an additional burden on the State treasury.