Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged the Centre to support Punjab with the same urgency shown to Afghanistan. He said Punjab has long ensured India’s food security and economic strength, yet the state now faces its worst floods in four decades. Cheema stressed that Punjab deserves timely and fair assistance in this crisis.
He questioned the Union Government’s priorities. While relief material reached Afghanistan quickly, Punjab still waits for adequate support. “If we can help people abroad, why hesitate to help our own citizens?” he asked. Cheema demanded immediate release of relief packages, infrastructure aid, and rehabilitation support.
The minister also appealed to the public to donate to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He promised complete transparency, assuring that every rupee will reach flood victims directly.
On GST, Cheema welcomed rate cuts, noting that AAP had demanded them earlier. He pointed out, however, that states continue to face unstable economies. Lower GST rates, he said, will further strain their revenues. Cheema urged the Centre to continue GST compensation as promised.
He concluded that Punjab needs both GST support and emergency relief. Without it, the state’s economy and flood-hit citizens will continue to suffer.
