Centre Has Delivered ₹1.50 Lakh Crore in Direct Fertiliser Subsidies to Punjab Farmers So Far: Kewal Singh Dhillon

Punjab BJP President thanks Modi and Union Cabinet for approving ₹62,370.02 crore P&K fertiliser subsidy for Rabi 2026–27, a massive 64.3% hike

Chandigarh, November 12-Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab President Kewal Singh Dhillon today extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving a massive fertiliser subsidy of ₹62,370.02 crore for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi 2026–27 season (October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027).

Dhillon noted that compared to the previous Rabi season’s allocation of ₹37,952.29 crore, this represents an increase of ₹24,417.73 crore—a historic 64.3% jump that stands as direct proof of the Central Government’s farmer-centric commitment.

‘Shielding Farmers From Global Inflation Amid International Crises’
Dhillon pointed out that due to the severe crisis in West Asia and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, international prices of fertilisers and raw materials have skyrocketed. Despite this global volatility, the Modi government revised Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates and absorbed the entire additional financial burden across 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS. As a result, despite surging global rates, farmers will continue to receive a 50-kg bag of DAP at the unchanged, subsidized price of ₹1,350.

‘₹1,50,000 Crore Fertiliser Subsidy Benefit for Punjab’s Annadatas’
Highlighting the cumulative support extended to the state, the Punjab BJP President stated that the Modi government has so far delivered direct fertiliser subsidy benefits worth ₹1,50,000 crore (₹1.50 lakh crore) to Punjab’s farmers. He added that during the crucial sowing window for wheat and other Rabi crops, this ₹62,370 crore national package provides vital relief to Punjab’s agrarian economy.

Dhillon demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab ensure smooth and uninterrupted distribution of centrally supplied subsidized fertilisers through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and mandis, so that farmers are protected from black-marketing, hoarding, and exploitation through the forced tagging of unwanted items along with fertilisers.

============================================

Extension of 'Stand-Up India' Scheme Till 2031 a Boon for Punjab’s Dalit and Women Entrepreneurs: Ashwani Sharma

With India’s highest SC population share at 31.94%, Punjab stands to gain immensely; 5,710 accounts already sanctioned in the state

Pathankot, November 12-Former Punjab BJP State President Ashwani Sharma today warmly welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to extend the ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme for another five years until March 31, 2031. Sharma noted that backed by a ₹4,111 crore credit guarantee corpus, this decision will deliver maximum benefit to Punjab, which has the highest Scheduled Caste (SC) population share in the country at 31.94% (nearly 32%) as per the 2011 Census.

"Collateral-Free Loans from ₹10 Lakh to ₹1 Crore"
In a statement, Sharma explained that launched in April 2016, the scheme will empower an additional 2.5 lakh SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs nationwide over the next five years to become self-reliant. Under the initiative, loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore (covering up to 85% of project cost) are provided for greenfield enterprises across manufacturing, services, trading, and agri-allied sectors. With the Centre extending an 85% credit guarantee at a nominal fee of just 0.50%, banking risk has dropped substantially, paving the way for Dalit and women entrepreneurs to launch businesses without heavy collateral.

"5,710 Accounts Sanctioned in Punjab; Women and Dalits Turning Job Creators"
Citing official data tabled in Parliament, Sharma highlighted the grassroots transformation triggered by the scheme in Punjab. Between April 2020 and March 2025, a total of 5,710 loan accounts were sanctioned in the state, including direct loans to 1,418 SC/ST entrepreneurs (with 617 beneficiaries added in 2024–25 alone).

Nationally, loans exceeding ₹62,790 crore have been sanctioned across over 2.75 lakh accounts, with women accounting for more than 80% of all beneficiaries. Calling upon Punjab’s youth, Dalit community, and women to seize this opportunity and transition from job seekers to job creators, Sharma urged banks to organize special district-level camps to ensure hassle-free loan disbursals.