Speaker writes letter to PM of India, highlighted leading issues of Punjab to be resolved at the earliest
Sandhwan requests Central Government to release Punjab allocated funds as soon as possible
Chandigarh 31 January 2026 (WISHAVWARTA):- Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan wrote a letter to Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi regarding leading issues of Punjab which needs to be resolved at the earliest. He said “Punjab” was once the most prosperous state in India and the breadbasket of the nation, but today facing unprecedented economic challenges due to pending releases of central funds. Punjab feels neglected in terms of central investment and policy support.
Furthermore, he stated that Punjab’s fiscal autonomy has been severely curtailed through the progressive erosion of financial rights and a reduced share in central taxes, which undermines the spirit of true federalism enshrined in our Constitution. Adding to the Punjab’s woes is an acute water crisis, the State is experiencing a serious shortage of surface water and groundwater, due to the unjust division and diversion of river water to other states and a lack of control over headworks located in within the Punjab jurisdiction.
This discrimination in the sharing of Punjab’s river water has pushed our water table to an alarming depth and is threatening agricultural sustainability. He hopes that the visit of Prime Minister of India will mark a turning point and that his leadership will address these concerns with the urgency and compassion the Punjab deserves.
Speaker humbly submitted the following demands for kind consideration and intervention of Central Government.
1. Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) serves as a vital gateway for Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir, while Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport, Amritsar, connects our State to the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. He requested an immediate increase in the number of domestic and international flights from Chandigarh and Amritsar airports. Increased flight frequencies will boost tourism, facilitate business.
2. Punjab’s farmers and traders require direct access to international markets to maximise their income and reduce dependency on intermediaries. He urged the Central Government to explore an operationalize a road trade link to Middle East countries. Such connectivity will enable our agricultural producers, traders particularly those in the northern region to export their fresh product, dairy and other commodities directly ensuring better prices and economic prosperity for our farming community.
3. This year 2026 marks the auspicious 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. In recognition of His immense contribution to spirituality & society, and to honour to this historic milestone, he respectfully requested that Adampur Airport, Jalandhar (Punjab), an important gateway for Doaba region of Punjab, be officially renamed as “Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport”. Such a gesture would serve as fitting tribute to his enduring legacy and would resonate deeply with the people of Punjab. He urged the Central Government to approve this renaming at the earliest so that it may be announced during the 650th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri. Guru Ravidas Ji.
4. Chandigarh serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana, the long-standing demand for the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab must be resolved. Chandigarh was originally designed and developed on the land acquired from the farmers of Punjab State, who made tremendous sacrifices by giving their fertile agricultural land for the development of a modern city. The emotional, historical and legitimate claim of Punjab over Chandigarh is deeply rooted. Fully transferring Chandigarh to Punjab would resolve the long-pending issue.
5. The non-release or delayed release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) has severely impacted rural infrastructure development, employment generation and overall economic growth in the State. The immediate release of all pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) amounts is critical to reviving Punjab’s rural economy, improving livelihoods and enabling the State Government to fulfil its development commitments to the people.
6. Punjab, being a landlocked state faces significant logistical and transportation disadvantages in attracting investment and fostering industrial growth due to higher transportation cost. In contrast states like Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir as well as Haryana have benefited immensely from special industrial package that included tax exemption, subsidies, incentives and ease-of-doing business measures. These initiatives have substantially boosted their industrial sector and created a favorable environment for sustained growth. In addition, a dedicated special package for Punjab would address broader needs such as infrastructure upgradation. He strongly urged Central Government to announce such special package specially designed for Punjab only.
7. Several prisoners / Bandi Singhs have served their full sentences but remain in custody due to prolonged delays in release processes. This prolonged detention beyond the prescribed punishment is a matter of grave concern and violates principles of natural justice Their continued detention despite completing legal terms, raises humanitarian concerns so he earnestly requested him personal intervention to ensure that all such prisoners/Bandi Singhs, who have completed their sentences are released immediately.
8 The Moga-Kotkapura railway line has been a persistent long-standing demand of residents for decades. This railway line is essential for improving connectivity in the Malwa region, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and providing better passenger services to residents. He requested immediate approval and allocation of funds for the Moga-Kotkapura railway line as a priority infrastructure project.
