The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led Central Government for allegedly withholding funds meant for Punjab’s development.
Accusing the Modi Government of also stopping the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds for Punjab, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg claimed that this is in addition to already withheld National Health Mission (NHM) and Rural Development Fund (RDF) money.
Garg emphasized that these funds are critical for the state’s development, particularly for the education of children in primary schools. “The Modi government is deliberately trying to obstruct Punjab’s progress,” he asserted, urging Punjab’s MPs and BJP leaders to take up the issue with the central government, highlighting the urgent need for the funds.
Addressing reporters alongside AAP spokespersons Babbi Badal and Jasman Gill, Garg said: “The step-motherly treatment of the BJP towards Punjab is not new. What’s more shameful is that they are now putting children’s education at stake.” He pointed out that India’s federal structure mandates cooperation between the Central and State Governments for the people’s development, but the Modi government is instead creating obstacles.
Garg disclosed that the Modi Government has withheld Rs 380 crores of SSA funds meant for the education of young children, affecting their books, clothing, and overall schooling. He noted that 3,929 employees under SSA in Punjab are also impacted. Furthermore, Garg alleged that the Central Government is coercing Punjab to adopt the PM Shri scheme, undermining Punjab’s successful education model.
He also highlighted that the Central Government has withheld Rs 600 crores of NHM funds, affecting Punjab's revolutionary Aam Aadmi clinics, and Rs 7,000 crores of RDF, essential for maintaining rural infrastructure. Garg urged all Punjab MPs to strongly raise this issue with the central government, and called on BJP Punjab President Sunil Jakhar to advocate against this discrimination.
“The people of Punjab pay taxes; this money belongs to them. The Modi government has no right to stop funds meant for education, health, and development,” Garg concluded.
