The ‘Punjab Vision: 2047’ conclave, organized by the World Punjabi Organization in collaboration with Panjab University, began on Tuesday with a strong call for reforms to shape Punjab's future in the lead-up to India’s 100th independence anniversary.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism and structural reforms as essential pillars for national growth, emphasizing that India’s development goals cannot be met without equal progress in each state. Cheema, the event’s chief guest on the inaugural day of the two-day conclave, set a powerful tone, urging a unified approach to progress.
Held at Panjab University, Chandigarh, the two-day event brought together government officials, industry experts, academics, and civil society leaders to address critical issues affecting Punjab's growth. It focused on defining a clear roadmap to 2047 that emphasizes sustainable development, industrial growth, and economic resilience.
Cheema emphasized that achieving India’s vision for 2047 required substantial reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system and more balanced federal collaboration. He pointed out that Punjab, a key agricultural state, suffered significant revenue loss under the current GST regime, which is destination-based. This structure disproportionately benefited consumer-heavy states at the expense of producer states like Punjab.
According to Cheema, the state’s revenue loss due to GST could range between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 crore annually, hindering its ability to invest in critical areas. “The GST framework, as it stands, is a consumer-driven tax system, which does not account for states like Punjab that produce rather than consume,” Cheema noted.
He stressed that such disparities in revenue impact the state’s ability to grow and contribute to the national economy effectively. Highlighting that cooperative federalism should work for all, he called for a re-evaluation of GST, agricultural policies, and environmental regulations to empower every state to flourish.
Cheema also outlined a series of policy initiatives that the AAP-led Punjab Government has introduced to address various sectors, including Industrial Development Policy, Adventure Tourism Policy, and Biofuels Policy — each aimed at boosting economic activity and generating employment. These initiatives, he asserted, aligned with the state’s vision of inclusive growth and capitalize on Punjab’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and human capital. He expressed optimism that these reforms would yield positive outcomes in the coming years, rejuvenating Punjab’s economy.
10-Point Roadmap for a Forward-Looking Punjab
AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha delivered a compelling presentation outlining 10 essential focus areas for Punjab’s growth trajectory towards 2047. Chadha emphasized that a holistic vision for Punjab’s future must address sustainable agriculture, infrastructure, education, governance, and more.
His 10-point agenda focused on establishing a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Punjab by 2047. It included promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience through eco-friendly farming methods and environmental stewardship. Economic diversification and industrial growth were emphasized to reduce dependency on agriculture by boosting other sectors. For education and workforce development, the agenda aimed at investing in quality education and skill-building to create a future-ready workforce.
Energy and environmental sustainability were highlighted, with an emphasis on adopting renewable energy and sustainable practices. Infrastructure and connectivity upgrades were prioritized to enhance economic growth and accessibility across the state. Social equity and governance policies were also proposed to create an inclusive society benefiting all communities.
Expanding access to healthcare and sanitation formed part of the health and sanitation initiative, ensuring better public health outcomes. Fiscal strategy and economic stability were also key, focusing on balanced economic policies for financial resilience. Innovation and global connectivity were included to encourage entrepreneurship and establish global partnerships.
Finally, disaster resilience and climate adaptation were targeted to prepare Punjab for future climate-related challenges, ensuring a robust response to environmental risks.
Chadha stressed that this roadmap is essential for making Punjab future-ready and sustainable in the long term. “This plan is a blueprint for a prosperous and resilient Punjab that will face future challenges head-on,” he said.
SWOT Analysis for Key Sectors
Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, AAP MP in Rajya Sabha and World Punjabi Organization’s president, opened the conclave by reflecting on Punjab's legacy, from its role in the Green Revolution to becoming India’s agricultural heartland. Dr Sahney recalled how Punjab’s agricultural achievements helped the country attain food self-sufficiency, marking the state as a symbol of resilience and productivity. He also acknowledged setbacks in the 1980s and emphasized the need for Punjab to leverage its historical strengths while adapting to modern demands.
Dr Sahney proposed conducting a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for Punjab’s key sectors, advocating for targeted strategies in agriculture, industry, and cultural heritage. “By understanding where we stand, we can set more achievable goals and outline a clear path toward sustainable growth,” he said, urging the conclave to create a white paper that addresses each sector's unique needs.
Gov, CM to Attend Today
The two-day conclave would witness Punjab’s policymakers, social activists, industry leaders, and senior government officials indulging in a series of in-depth panel discussions. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are scheduled to address the conclave’s final session on Wednesday. Other key participants include Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and other high-ranking officials.
