Mann, who was questioned by the Governor over the utilisation of these debts, responded with expenditure details in a fresh letter to him.
Published Oct 03, 2023 | 5:23 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 03, 2023 | 5:23 PM
Bhagwant Mann answers the Governor. (Supplied)
Under scanner for raising loans of around ₹50,000 crore in their tenure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed on Tuesday, 3 October, that 57 percent of those was used to clear debts of previous governments.
Mann who was “officially” questioned by Governor Banwari Lal Purohit over the utilisation of these debts responded with expenditure details, in a fresh letter to him.
Mann stated that Punjab’s AAP government raised loans worth ₹47,107 crore in the first 18 months of its rule in the state.
According to him, of this, over 57 percent was used only to repay the interest on loans inherited by the current government from the previous state governments.
The letter, sent in response to the 22 September communication of the Governor, reiterated the request made by Mann to the Governor to take up the state’s issue of non-release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seeks a moratorium on debt repayment of Punjab for at least five years.
“I am grateful that you have sought this information which allows me to put things in perspective. From April 2022 to August 2023, the net addition to the state’s debt had been ₹47,107.6 crore, which included not only market loans but also loans from NABARD, Externally Aided Project loans allowed by the Centre and long-term loan under Special Assistance for Creation of Capital Assets as permitted by the Centre,” Mann said in the letter.
“During my tenure as chief minister, lingering issues left behind by previous governments were dealt with on priority. We have used both debt and our own revenue resources to fund organisations/schemes ignored by my predecessors, utilised the new debt to create capital assets and undertake development,” he added.
Mann further added that he was committed to honouring the state’s rightful liabilities and servicing the debt in a timely manner.
Usage of funds according to Mann.
“While I strive to mobilise resources to fund the development of the state, the government is working 24×7 to mobilise additional resources for the state which is evident from the major revenue receipt heads,” Mann said.
He added that the additional receipts helped in making value accretive investments while initiating payment of arrears and unpaid dues including the implementation of the sixth pay commission, UGC scales, power subsidy arrears to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), payment of arrears of atta-dal scheme, arrears of sugarcane farmers, payment of unpaid Central Sponsored Schemes, bailout of entities like PUNSUP, Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Limited, Rural Development Board, etc.
“I am happy to share that your government has invested in the Sinking Fund a total of ₹4,000 crore since 1 April, 2022, while the total accumulation by previous governments just stood at ₹2,988 crore. This fund is aimed at alleviating some of the debt pressure of the state in future,” read the letter.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa also sent a letter to the Governor seeking an independent Inquiry into the alleged politically-facilitated illegal mining in Punjab.
“Congress delegation met you regarding rampant illegal mining, a concern you personally witnessed during your visit to the border districts. I requested your intervention, echoing concerns raised by BSF authorities about uncontrolled illegal mining posing a security threat to our nation. The gravity of the situation was further emphasized by the Hon’ble High Court’s observations in an ongoing illegal mining case in Ropar district,” wrote Bajwa.
“Of great concern is the stark contrast between Arvind Kejriwal’s pre-poll promise on 7 December, 2021, to generate ₹20,000 crore by dismantling the mining mafia and revenue inflow of only a hundred crore in reality, suggests the implication that whopping funds are funnelling into politicians’ coffers, eroding trust in the government,” he added.
He also sought the attention of the Governor towards the transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police Gurmeet Chauhan, who according to Bajwa, was transferred because of registering a case of illegal mining.
He alleged that the mining racket included the brother-in-law of the AAP MLA from Khadoor Sahib, Manjinder Singh Lalpura.
“Furthermore, contradictory statements made by AAP Spokesman, Malwinder Singh Kang, regarding the SSP’s “wonderful work” and swift response to the allegations of the area MLA of ‘a false case’, suggest an attempt to protect political interests,” Bajwa said.
“An impartial investigation is necessary to uncover the truth and uphold justice and accountability. Chauhan’s case is not an isolated incident. IPS Officer Dhruman H Nimbale from Hoshiarpur, who cracked down on an illegal sand mining gang and seized ₹1.53 crore from them, faced a similar transfer within a week,” read the letter.
