Guest column: Don’t stigmatize Punjab, work together to solve the problems

The Green Revolution, which transformed India’s agricultural landscape, was powered by the tireless efforts of the farmers of Punjab. Similarly, during the 1948, 1965 and 1971 wars, the state played a crucial role in protecting India’s borders, with a strong presence of Punjabi soldiers along the 554-kilometre Indo-Pakistani border. The state administration effectively neutralized radical secessionist forces in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Why has the perception of Punjab and its people changed so drastically? What has led to the current state of civil unrest despite the unchanged essence of Punjabiyat – the cultural and social ethos of Punjab? The reasons for the ongoing unrest are rooted in economic stagnation, governance deficiencies and unresolved political issues. Demonizing Punjab for its legitimate and democratic struggle to solve all these problems is unfair.

Stagnant agriculture, lack of industrial growth

Agriculture, the core of Punjab’s economy, is now stagnant. Input efficiency is low, or in some cases has even come to a standstill, and farmers’ incomes are not commensurate with subsistence needs. Punjab’s farmers are burdened with rising production costs, stagnant crop prices and mounting debt. The state’s traditional agriculture is no longer sufficient to sustain the economy or provide employment to the youth.

Punjab also faces a lack of industrial growth and is struggling to diversify its economy. Although the service sector is growing, it remains small and underdeveloped. A significant portion of the state’s workforce – nearly one crore – is employed in the unorganized sector. Interestingly, many of these workers are migrants from other states. The situation is further exacerbated by high unemployment among local youth, many of whom have completed an education but cannot find stable employment. The common refrain, “We have enough to eat, but not much to do,” reflects the frustration of many in Punjab.

Joint efforts are needed to grow the economy

The state needs a concerted effort to diversify and expand its economy. The agricultural sector needs to be modernized with technology and research, shifting from traditional crops to high-quality, sustainable agriculture. Investments in the manufacturing and industrial sectors are also needed to create new jobs. High youth unemployment calls for a large-scale skills development program. The state should invest in education and training that align with emerging industries such as IT, renewable energy and biotechnology, which could provide new employment opportunities for young people.

Although Punjab has enjoyed political stability since 1992, governance remains top-down and lacks sufficient grassroots participation. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which could play a crucial role in addressing local problems, are often sidelined. The state has not fully utilized constitutional provisions for decentralization such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which are essential for strengthening local communities and ensuring participatory governance.

The lack of transparency and accountability in state decision-making processes further erodes public trust. Policies often appear to be lacking or disconnected from the realities on the ground, with decisions made without evidence or input from the affected communities. Moreover, the national debt is rising, tax revenues remain inadequate and more and more capital is flowing out of Punjab in search of more attractive opportunities elsewhere.

Strengthen local governance structures

The state government must prioritize strengthening local governance structures. Strengthening PRIs and ULBs would enable more responsive governance, giving local communities a voice in policymaking and resource allocation. Greater transparency in government functions is essential. Public procurement, social services and budget decisions must be made more transparent, and there must be clear mechanisms for public accountability.

One of the most critical issues facing Punjab today is the sense of alienation among its people. Although the state has achieved relative peace since the turbulence of the 1980s, this peace is often described as ‘negative peace’ – the absence of violent conflict, but not a true state of social harmony. People live with unease every day, characterized by economic uncertainty, a lack of opportunity and increasing frustration.

Struggling with political, territorial disputes

The state also faces long-standing political and territorial disputes, especially over water-sharing agreements and territorial integrity. These unresolved issues have exacerbated feelings of resentment and alienation, especially among rural populations who feel ignored by state and national governments. A comprehensive, transparent and inclusive dialogue should be initiated between Punjab and its neighboring states to resolve water sharing disputes.

Punjab needs a robust state-wide social protection program that targets vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas where poverty is resurgent. Such a program should not only cover the rural poor but also include migrants, who faced immense hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social protection should ensure that all residents have access to basic services such as health care, education and financial assistance in times of economic need.

The state has a strong presence of religious institutions and a rich socio-cultural fabric, which can be used for social cohesion and ethical governance. There is increasing demand for policies that take into account the state’s changing demographics and global shifts in technology, climate and economics. The Indian government’s Punjab policy must be more transparent and inclusive. The GoI should invest more in creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration between different stakeholders, including local communities, socio-cultural and religious organizations, civil society organizations and industry leaders. These organizations can play a critical role in community outreach, education, and implementation of state welfare programs.

The state must prioritize the integration of technology across all sectors, from agriculture to governance. For example, Punjab’s agriculture sector can benefit immensely from precision agriculture, artificial intelligence and data-driven policies aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability.

Complex set of challenges

Thus, Punjab faces a complex set of challenges that cannot be addressed by simply maintaining political stability or maintaining ‘negative peace’. Immediate and decisive action is needed, with a focus on sustainable development, participatory governance and addressing the legitimate concerns of the population. A comprehensive approach that includes economic diversification, social protection, political decentralization and the resolution of long-standing territorial and water conflicts can pave the way for a better future for Punjab. Rather than stigmatizing the state, we must recognize these root causes of the unrest and work together to resolve them.

The writer is a retired Punjab IAS officer. Opinions expressed are personal. He can be reached at [email protected]