Chandigarh, March 25
During the ongoing session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Estimates Committee Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, presented the committee’s report, recommending the approval of Supplementary Demands for various government departments.
Addressing the House, Deputy Speaker Rouri emphasized the necessity of these additional financial allocations beyond the originally sanctioned budget. He stated that while the Assembly approves funds for various departments, unforeseen requirements often arise, making it essential to provide supplementary provisions for public welfare programs, judicial directives and new government policies. He added that these additional allocations are crucial to ensuring the uninterrupted execution of key projects and initiatives.
The Estimates Committee, after a detailed review, has recommended the approval of these Supplementary Demands to facilitate the smooth functioning of government schemes. The additional funds will be directed toward several critical sectors. In the field of agriculture and farmer welfare, subsidies will be provided for machinery under the Crop Residue Management Scheme and the School Scheme, along with financial assistance for sugarcane farmers. Infrastructure development will also receive a significant boost, with funds allocated for the repair and modernization of 127 rural roads across 21 districts, renovation of warehouses and the strengthening of infrastructure in Verka dairies.
Health and public welfare initiatives will benefit from the procurement of essential medicines for ESI hospitals and dispensaries. Additionally, security in the state will be enhanced through upgrades in the State Police Department, ensuring better law enforcement and public safety. Environmental concerns have also been addressed, with allocations for wastewater treatment improvements in Ludhiana’s dyeing industry.
Urban development projects under the Smart City initiatives and AMRUT Mission will be supported through these funds, while the irrigation and water resources sector will benefit from the renovation and repair of canals. The establishment of sugar complexes has also been included in the supplementary allocations to strengthen the industrial and agricultural sectors.
