*Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann appeals for Halwara Airport to be named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urges Central Govt to further enhance international connectivity from Mohali Airport*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt remains committed to upholding respect for Gurus & martyrs*
*Naming Punjab’s airports after Gurus & martyrs symbolises deep respect for their legacy: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Soon, all four airports in Punjab will be known by names of our gurus & martyrs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt is committed to preserving Punjab’s spiritual & revolutionary heritage: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann attends inauguration ceremony of terminal building at Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana*
LUDHIANA, 1st February 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday, at the inauguration of the terminal building at Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana, reiterated his demand to the Government of India to name the airport after legendary martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, calling it a fitting tribute to one of the youngest icons of India’s freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to further strengthen international connectivity from Mohali Airport, while asserting that Punjab is steadily moving towards a moment where all four of its airports will bear the names of the state’s revered Gurus and martyrs, seamlessly linking modern infrastructure with the state’s spiritual and revolutionary legacy.
Raising the issue in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the virtual inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha laid down his life for the motherland when he was just 19 years old. His supreme sacrifice inspired millions to rise against British imperialism, and even Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh regarded him as his role model.”
The Chief Minister said that naming Halwara Airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha would be a befitting honour to a martyr who hailed from the region and had gone to Berkeley University to pursue a career in aviation, but chose instead to return and dedicate his life to the freedom movement. “Punjab is the land of great Gurus, prophets, saints, seers and martyrs. Every inch of this sacred soil carries the imprint of their sacrifices,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that if Halwara Airport is named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, two of Punjab’s four airports would be named after revered Gurus and two after martyrs. “Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, Amritsar and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur, are named after Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport, Mohali and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport, Halwara, will commemorate our martyrs,” he said.
Congratulating the people on the parkash purab of Guru Ravidas, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Adampur Airport has been named after the great proponent of the Bhakti movement. “The path shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji to create an egalitarian society is the core pillar of our government’s commitment to serve the masses,” he said, adding that it was a historic day for Punjab as the Prime Minister dedicated two airports to the people on this auspicious occasion.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Halwara Airport, the Chief Minister said it has played a significant role over the years and has been used by the armed forces during critical operations. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution in developing the terminal at Halwara, which has now been dedicated to the public. “The state government will hold deliberations with the Government of India in the coming days to enhance connectivity from this airport,” he said.
Recalling the earlier initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that on March 22, 2023, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Government of India to name the International Airport at the Indian Air Force Station, Halwara, Ludhiana, as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport. “As an active leader of the Ghadar Party, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha worked tirelessly for India’s freedom, first abroad and then within the country. Naming the airport after him would be a humble tribute to his unparalleled contribution,” he said.
The Chief Minister further pointed out that Mohali International Airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh due to the sustained efforts of the state government. “Naming airports, universities and other institutions after our iconic martyrs is an integral part of our government’s vision to preserve their legacy and inspire the youth to dedicate themselves to selfless service of the nation,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
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*Union Budget once again betrayal for Punjab and Haryana farmers: Harpal Cheema*
*Centre turned its back on MSP, ignored market and agricultural infrastructure needs: Finance Minister*
Chandigarh 1 February 2026:Reacting to the Union Budget, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Union government has once again ignored the legitimate concerns of Punjab and Haryana farmers, exposing its hollow claims of being pro-farmer. Cheema pointed out that there has been no increase in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund nor any concrete assistance to strengthen market infrastructure, leaving the agrarian states in a state of disbelief.
He said that the farmer of Punjab feeds the nation, yet the Union government is continuously neglecting investment in systems that ensure food security. The Finance Minister also criticised the selective approach adopted to promote high-value crops. While the budget mentions crops like coconut, cashew, sandalwood and dry fruits, there is nothing for farmers in North India who depend on crops suited to their agro-climatic conditions. Harpal Singh Cheema said that this budget clearly shows the Centre's bias and its continued indifference towards the farmers of foodgrain producing states, especially Punjab. These farmers deserve respect, support and appropriate investment, not empty slogans.
Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that there is nothing for Farmers of Punjab and Haryana in terms of increased allocation to Agriculture Infra Fund or strengthening Mandi Infrastructure in this Union Budget 2026. He added that States will have to do it from their own funds for the development. Talked about development of High-Value Crops but left out Punjab fully.
He said Urea Subsidy reduced from 1,26,475 Crore last year to 1,16,805 Crores. Nothing for “Aam Aadmi” in this budget, Zero tax relief in today’s times when incomes are not increasing and inflation is eating up savings of common man. Infact, Government of India has increased STT (Securities Transaction Tax) which will adversely affect common man. No relief on Long-Term Capital Gains since STT has been increased. It is like squeezing the common man from all sides.
Speaking on Defence he said we were hoping that Union FM would announce major schemes to make India stronger on Defence Production and meaningfully increase the Defence Budget in view of last year’s tensions with Pakistan. Nothing of that sort has happened. Total mention of defence was “Four (4)” Times in Union FM’s Speech.
Highlighting PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, he informed that launched with so much fan-fare last year to provide holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, offering skill training. Budget reduced from 5,100 Crore to 3,861 Crore. On one side they say this budget is aimed at developing legacy industries and a Yuva-Shakti Budget ; then they cut budget for scheme meant exactly for this.
Speaking on 16th Finance Commission,he said the vertical devolution (total share of all states in tax pool) is kept at 41 percent. No change. Finance Commission has completely ignored the plight of states and failed to increase this share despite the fiscal stretch faced by states. Horizontal Devolution to Punjab increased to 1.996 percent from 1.807 percent in 15th Finance Commission. No Revenue Deficit Grants from 16th FC. 15th FC had recommended these grants. Conditions on SDRF are overly restrictive and will affect the State like Punjab’s ability to effectively mitigate and manage disasters. He added that No Mention of State in Budget Speech. They have completely forgotten about Punjab and Punjabis.
On Education front, it is very Uninspiring. He said Less than 10% Growth from last year (~8%) on Education buget. Budget remains unchanged from last year at 7,500 Crore on PM- SHRI scheme.
Special Assistance to States for Capital Creation (SASCI)- he said No mention of the scheme. All states has requested extending and enhancing the outlay of scheme meaningfully to continue high-levels of CAPEX.
On Health point of view, he said AYUSHMAN Bharat Scheme Budget remains unchanged at 9,500 Crore. Swacchh Bharat Mission Budget halved at 2,500 Crore from 5,000 Crore last year. VB-G-RAM-G Budget at Rs 95,692 Crore up from Rs 88,000 Crore under MGNREGA.
Furthermore he added that Border Infrastructure and Management Scheme (Central Scheme) Budget reduced from 5,597 Crore last year to 5,577 Crore in the current budget.
Harpal Singh Cheema said that this Budget is more inclined towards South and Nort-East India side. Nothing for Punjab or even North India. Nothing for Farmers and Agriculture. Nothing for Jobs and Youth in this union budget.
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Central Government Discriminating Against Punjab Again in Union Budget: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Chandigarh, February 1: Punjab's Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has accused the Central Government of discriminating against the state in the Union Budget 2026. He said the government, which claims to be pro-farmer, has once again failed to provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Punjab's farmers.
He added that the Central Government is discriminating against Punjab on every front.
Harbhajan Singh ETO noted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had demanded a special package to repair the heavy damage caused to the state's roads by torrential rains in 2025, but the Central Government took no action.
He further stated that the Punjab government had sought a special financial package of Rs 1,000 crore for border security to modernize the police force, along with Rs 7,757 crore in arrears from the Rural Development Fund, a higher crop diversification incentive of Rs 15,000 per acre, GST compensation for revenue losses, and funds for health services and water supply. However, none of these demands were addressed by the Central Government.
Harbhajan Singh ETO said the people of Punjab had expected the Union Budget to announce special concessions to promote the state's farmers and industries, but this did not happen.
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*PUNJAB AGRICULTURE MINISTER EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER UNION BUDGET, CITES SYSTEMIC NEGLECT OF STATE AND FARMERS*
*• Highlights Lack of Special Package for Flood-Hit Punjab*
*• Flags Critical Issues of Rising Input Costs, Unfulfilled MSP Promises, and Reduced Crop Insurance Budget*
*• Accuses Centre of Persistent Discrimination, Demands Fair Share and Focus on Agricultural Crisis*
Chandigarh, February 1:Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, expressed profound disappointment and concern over the Union Budget, stating it continues the trend of neglecting Punjab and the critical needs of its farmers.
Responding to queries on the union budget, S. Khudian stated, "The true impact will be known when the detailed provisions are unveiled. However, I have a strong apprehension that BJP-led Central government has done nothing for Punjab and its farmers." He emphasized that Punjab faces persistent discrimination, even after enduring massive flood damage for which the requested Central relief package was never granted.
Elaborating on the agricultural crisis, the Minister pointed out that while the country's economy is largely driven by agriculture, the budget failed to address the sector's core challenges. "The cost of every input is skyrocketing—diesel, fertilizers, pesticides—but the budget offered no solace. There was hope for a dedicated allocation or a higher MSP for all crops, but that hasn't happened," he said.
He specifically criticized the reduction in the budget for the Crop Insurance Scheme and the lack of significant announcements on Minimum Support Price (MSP). "Instead of increasing support, they are cutting it. At a time when farmers are in distress, the central government has stepped back," S. Khudian stated.
Drawing a sharp contrast, the Minister highlighted the Punjab Government's proactive measures. "Where the Centre failed, the Punjab Government acted. For the farmers affected by floods, our government provided compensation of ₹20,000 per acre promptly," he said.
The Agriculture Minister S. Khudian also linked the economic neglect to national security concerns, noting, "Punjab contributes massively to the nation's food security and its youth guard the borders. Yet, the state's rightful due is always ignored."
"Previous governments with cosy ties with the Centre could have sought debt waivers but didn't, as they wanted to keep Punjab subdued. We are facing this situation head-on and will do everything possible to put Punjab back on the path to progress," he asserted.
"The need of the hour was for the Central Government to come forward with a substantial package to address the deepening crisis in agriculture and revive the rural economy. Unfortunately, this budget has only added to the difficulties and complexities faced by our farmers," said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
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