Punjab Ministers urge Finance Minister to release RDF Funds

A group of Punjab cabinet ministers and officials met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to request the release of ₹7,000 crore for rural and market development funds. This amount is crucial for maintaining Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.

Delegation highlights Punjab’s challenges

The delegation included Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha. During the meeting, the team emphasized the importance of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) in supporting Punjab’s extensive agricultural marketing systems.

Cheema explained that Punjab’s decentralised procurement (DCP) system is unique and cannot be compared to non-DCP states. Over decades, Punjab has developed a robust mandi infrastructure, supported by RDF and MDF. These funds have allowed the state to create and maintain a vast network of roads connecting remote villages to agricultural markets (mandis).

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The delegation argued that this infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance, which would be impossible without the timely release of RDF and MDF. Cheema highlighted that Punjab’s long-tested procurement system is critical to its agricultural economy and benefits both the state and the central government.

Appeal for prompt action

During the meeting, the ministers shared that the delay in fund release has created significant challenges for Punjab. They noted that the state’s procurement processes would face hurdles without sufficient funds, potentially affecting crop collection and distribution. “The delay would seriously hinder Punjab’s ability to maintain infrastructure and disrupt procurement activities,” Cheema stated.

The delegation urged the Union finance minister to consider Punjab’s unique circumstances and take a prompt decision. Cheema expressed optimism, stating, “We hope for a timely resolution that ensures the continued development of Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.”

This meeting underscores Punjab’s ongoing efforts to secure essential resources to support its farmers and strengthen its agricultural economy.