Sukhbir Badal Promises Rural Development, DA Arrears and Restoration of Old Pension Scheme

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday announced that if the party forms the government in Punjab, all 13,000 villages in the state will be provided with civic amenities similar to those available in cities. He said the party plans comprehensive development of rural areas, including paved streets, sewerage facilities and the cleaning and beautification of village ponds. Addressing a large rally in the Sardulgarh constituency at Jhuneer along with senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Badal said the party has prepared a plan to upgrade rural infrastructure. Under this plan, around 3,000 villages will be developed every year, and once the project is completed, every village in Punjab will have urban-level civic facilities. He also stated that people in rural areas who do not have houses will be provided with permanent homes. Badal said the Shiromani Akali Dal believes in delivering on its promises and does not make commitments that cannot be fulfilled. He urged the people of Punjab to support the party if they want world-class roads, strong educational infrastructure for children, and modern hospitals and medical colleges. At the same time, Badal criticised the leadership of the current government, stating that leaders like Bhagwant Mann focus on negative politics, while former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi highlights personal skills rather than governance issues. Badal further said the Akali Dal is committed to benefiting government employees who supported the Aam Aadmi Party but now feel disappointed. He noted that all Pay Commissions in Punjab were established and implemented during Akali Dal governments. He announced that if the party comes to power in 2027, all pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears of employees will be cleared. He also promised the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, a system for postings near employees’ homes, and timely salary increases. Appealing to the public, Badal urged Punjabis not to be misled and alleged that the AAP government intends to sell government land under the pretext of providing ₹1,000 per month to women for three months ahead of assembly elections. He claimed this was part of a strategy to influence voters. He also said the Akali Dal had earlier opposed a plan to acquire one lakh acres of land that was allegedly intended to be given to builders from Delhi. According to him, the party will continue to oppose any plans to sell the assets of the power corporation and municipal bodies. The Akali Dal chief also announced that tubewell connections will be provided to those who currently do not have them. He said the party would ensure the free distribution of common village lands and would work to channelise the Ghaggar river, which frequently causes damage in the Sardulgarh area and other constituencies. Badal added that the party would ensure all government jobs are reserved for Punjabis and that industries set up in the state provide 75 percent employment to local residents. For youth, he announced a scheme offering interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh. He also promised to abolish road tax on motorcycles, revive the Kabaddi World Cup, and restart traditional cattle fairs and Marwari horse races. Speaking at the rally, Bathinda Member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal highlighted development works carried out in Sardulgarh during previous Akali Dal governments. She said 32 schools were upgraded, seven power grids were built, 10 water tanks were constructed, a judicial complex was established, and RO systems were installed in all villages. Both leaders also thanked senior party figure Balwinder Singh Bhundar for standing firmly with the party during both good and difficult times. Badal also appreciated the efforts of Dilraj Singh Bhundar in making the rally successful.