2.Skill development and education

Unemployment can be addressed through targeted skill development and improved education. Establishing vocational training centres and upgrading educational standards will equip the youth with skills in demand in the modern economy. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Punjab’s unemployment rate stood at 6.5% in 2023, higher than the national average. Encouraging start-ups, promoting digital education, and integrating skill-based learning into mainstream curricula can meaningfully engage Punjab’s youngsters and prepare them for a competitive workforce.

3.Water and territorial rights

Resolving disputes over water and territorial rights is critical for Punjab’s long-term stability. Transparent dialogues between stakeholders, adhering to legal frameworks such as the Constitution and the Interstate River Water Disputes Act, must guide these discussions. Collaborative agreements on water-sharing based on ground realities, and efficient water use through modern irrigation technologies and public awareness campaigns can further alleviate water stress.

4.Agrarian reforms

The agrarian crisis requires immediate action. Promoting sustainable farming practices, ensuring fair crop prices, reducing dependence on water-intensive crops such as paddy, and revitalising household farm economics can alleviate farmers’ struggles. States like Maharashtra have made strides in crop diversification and sustainable farming through government incentives and farmer cooperatives, offering lessons for Punjab’s policymakers.

5. Strengthening governance

Reforming bureaucratic structures and promoting accountability is essential to ensure efficient governance. A transparent administration will be crucial for the successful implementation of policies. Introducing performance-based assessments for bureaucrats 4/7 and digitising administrative processes to reduce corruption and inefficiency can enhance governance. Punjab can also benefit from public-private partnerships to fast-track infrastructure and social development projects.

6.Promoting tourism and culture

Punjab’s rich cultural heritage can be leveraged to boost tourism. By developing infrastructure and marketing the state’s unique attractions, Punjab can generate revenue and create jobs. For example, Rajasthan has successfully built its tourism brand around heritage and culture. Promoting festivals like Baisakhi or creating experiential tourism packages around the Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib, and the Wagah border could attract global visitors. According to the ministry’s 2023 report, tourism contributed only 2.8% to Punjab’s GDP, signalling significant untapped potential.

7.Centre’s proactive role

The central government must play a proactive role in addressing Punjab’s challenges. As it did during the Green Revolution, it should bring the state back to the national forefront. Allocating funds for infrastructure, facilitating fruitful dialogue on contentious issues, and ensuring fair representation of Punjab in national policies are essential actions. For example, a centrally funded skill development mission tailored to Punjab’s needs could significantly boost employment. Further, initiating dialogues on water-sharing agreements with Haryana and Rajasthan under central mediation could ease inter-state tensions.

Punjab’s challenges are not insurmountable but require sustained, collaborative attention from the central government, state leadership, and civil society. Ignoring Punjab’s concerns risks alienating a vibrant and strategic part of the nation, with implications for national security and geopolitical stability. By addressing its economic, social, and political challenges with evidence-based policies and inclusive governance, we can unlock Punjab’s potential and, in turn, strengthen and hasten national growth. sureshkumarnangia@gmail.com