CHANDIGARH: To protect the socio-economic rights of lakhs of families across the state, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today unanimously passed a comprehensive resolution affirming that the public welfare schemes and direct financial entitlements of the people of Punjab shall continue uninterrupted.
Moved on the floor of the House by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the resolution firmly establishes that the resources of Punjab belong to its people, and the foremost duty of an elected government is to deploy those resources to provide financial dignity, quality healthcare, and essential household relief.
The House categorically rejected attempts to label public welfare spending as a “waste of money.” Moving the resolution, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stressed, “Direct assistance provides critical relief to mothers managing monthly household budgets, farmers cultivating fields, and families confronting unexpected medical crises.” The Assembly affirmed that public support reinforces citizen dignity, self-respect, and economic independence rather than diminishing it.
The resolution voiced serious concern over statements by leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) openly advocating for the termination of ongoing welfare schemes and financial assistance. It also condemned remarks demeaning women and vulnerable groups who receive this statutory support, alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) opposition to direct public assistance.
Calling on all political parties to end ambiguity and declare their stand clearly to the people of Punjab, the resolution noted that withdrawing these benefits would directly deprive households of funds required for basic food, healthcare, and education.
