"On the one hand, Guru Nanak Devji showed the path of unity, brotherhood and harmony to the society through social philosophy; on the other hand, he presented to the society an economic system which is based on truth, honesty and self-respect."
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (in his address at Dera Baba Nanak at Gurdaspur, Punjab in 2019)
Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of constructive and cooperative federalism, contributing significantly to the overall development and growth of the state of Punjab. Under his leadership, the central government has left an indelible mark on the land of five rivers through a comprehensive approach encompassing infrastructural, agricultural, and cultural initiatives.
Speaking of development in the agricultural sector, the Modi government has assisted the state of Punjab with its visionary schemes and initiatives. More than 23 crore farmers benefit from the PM-KISAN scheme in Punjab, with total DBT transfers worth over Rs. 4,750 crore. Credit disbursement to farmers has also seen a remarkable increase—from 34.78 lakh agricultural loan accounts in 2018-19 to 43.92 lakh in 2022-23. The loan amount also increased from over Rs. 77,000 crore to nearly Rs. 91,000 crore in the same period. Around 73% of these loans are via the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. As of March 2023, there are nearly 22 lakh operative KCC accounts.
Procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has also increased in Punjab. Over 12,00 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of paddy was procured in the state between 2004-05 and 2013-14. It increased to nearly 17,00 LMT during 2014-15 to 2023-24. The quantity of wheat procured increased from 975 LMT to over 1,100 LMT in the same period.
The Modi government has also given a fertiliser subsidy of over Rs. 55,000 crore to more than 62 lakh farmers in Punjab in the last six years (up to January 2024). The farmers in Punjab are also assisted in crop residue management. From 2018-19 to 2023-24, the Modi government released Over Rs. 1,500 crore, distributing over 1.3 lakh machines to individual farmers and establishing over 25,000 custom hiring centres. The Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation has also distributed over 12,000 machines to farmers while setting up custom hiring centres, hi-tech hubs, and farm machinery banks. Nearly 10,000 projects have been sanctioned under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund with a backing of Rs. 2,740 crore—attracting investments of over Rs. 4,500 crore into the state.
The Modi government has steadfastly committed to bolstering infrastructural development in Punjab. In January 2024, a monumental stride was taken with the inauguration of 29 National Highway projects, injecting over Rs. 4,000 crore into the state's economic veins. These projects are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the ease of living and doing business for the people of Punjab, fostering economic growth in the state.
The emphasis on connectivity is evident in the substantial increase in the total length of National Highways in the state, surging from approximately 1,700 kilometres in 2014 to an impressive 4,100 kilometres in 2021. Amritsar is undergoing significant development as part of the Smart City Mission and is poised to emerge as a modern hub.
A groundbreaking achievement is the establishment of India's first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) in Punjab under the World Intellectual Property Organization's TISC program. This initiative aims to stimulate a vibrant Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system, fostering the state's creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The foundation stone laid for the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in 2022, a 669-kilometer marvel, is a testament to the government's commitment to improving connectivity. With an estimated Rs. 39,500 crore cost, this expressway halves travel time from Delhi to Amritsar and Delhi to Katra, connecting key economic centres across multiple states, including Punjab.
Healthcare infrastructure in Punjab is also witnessing a transformation, with the foundation stone laid for a 100-bed PGI Satellite Centre at Ferozepur. This state-of-the-art facility, costing over Rs. 490 crore, will offer world-class medical services, addressing the region's healthcare needs. Additionally, two medical colleges at Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur are being developed, reflecting the government's commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare.
The Modi government has recognised and supported Punjab's rich cultural legacy through initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 26th December as the Veer Bal Diwas, commemorating the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh's sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, reflecting the deep cultural roots of Punjab.
Approving the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Boundary is a landmark decision showcasing the Modi government's sensitivity towards the Sikh community. This corridor allows pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, 46 projects at Rs. 1629.17 crore have been sanctioned, including the development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar and Chamkaur Sahib at Rupar. The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway further connects key Sikh religious sites at Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib, Tarn Taran and the holy Hindu shrine of Vaishno Devi in Katra—reinforcing the government's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Punjab.
The last nine years under the Modi government have witnessed a paradigm shift in Punjab's development trajectory. The multifaceted approach encompassing infrastructural, agricultural, and cultural initiatives reflects a commitment to holistic growth. As Punjab embraces a brighter future, it is a testament to the success of the Modi government's collaborative and cooperative federalism.
