In a resounding address at News18 PH’s mega-conclave, Agenda Punjab 2023, key ministers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government vehemently criticized the past Akali Dal and Congress regimes for Punjab’s ailing fiscal condition. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema led the charge, attributing the current need for loans to service past debts incurred by these parties. “Punjab suffers due to their reckless expenditures. Punjabis won’t forget their misdeeds,” Cheema asserted.

According to the press release, the AAP leaders highlighted significant strides made during their tenure, countering opposition claims and showcasing accomplishments. Harpal Cheema underscored job creation for 40,000 youths and substantial salary hikes for teachers, contrasting these achievements against previous administrations’ failures to bolster revenues.

Accusations flew regarding the misuse of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) by the Akalis and Congress, with Cheema pinpointing lavish expenditures by Badal’s regime and Congress’ utilization of debt waivers. The AAP representatives also accused the Centre of stymying funds to their government deliberately.

Other ministers joined the discourse, outlining key initiatives and achievements. Punjab Mining Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra stressed zero tolerance toward illegal mining, emphasizing efforts to provide affordable and while augmenting state mining revenue. Food Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk highlighted robust paddy procurement and swift payments to farmers, promising an upcoming scheme for door-to-door wheat delivery.

The AAP government’s commitment to free power, evident through the electricity board’s profitability despite the provision of 600 units of free electricity, was reiterated by Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Meanwhile, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced plans for Wi-Fi in all government schools and enhanced security measures.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar vowed to allocate new bus permits exclusively to the common populace, while Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer lauded Punjab’s sports policy’s success and pledged to establish injury rehab centers. Speaker of Punjab Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwan highlighted efforts to promote Punjabi language and criticized opposition politics.

NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal addressed issues of stress and drug-related concerns among NRI youth, advocating for stronger ties with foreign nations. Health Minister Balbir Singh reassured the state’s readiness to combat the JN.1 variant, emphasizing successful Mohalla clinics and upcoming free medical facilities in government hospitals.

Local Government Minister Balkar Singh highlighted sewage treatment initiatives, while Tourism & Culture Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Maan showcased burgeoning investments in tourism post the Rangla Punjab Tourism Summit 2023.

The News18 PH event, attended by eleven AAP ministers and the Assembly Speaker, deliberated on Punjab’s socio-economic landscape, gearing up for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and shaping the state’s future agenda. Moderated by the channel’s anchors, the conclave aimed to chart Punjab’s 2024 vision and delineate critical agendas.