Milpitas(California) NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has strongly condemned the Punjab Government for allegedly wasting crores of rupees of public money on advertisements in other states, calling it a clear misuse of taxpayers’ hard-earned funds. He stated that at a time when Punjab is grappling with serious issues such as rising debt, unemployment, struggling farmers, and weakening infrastructure, such extravagant spending reflects a complete disconnect from ground realities.
Chahal questioned the logic behind publishing advertisements in states where the Punjab government schemes have no direct beneficiaries. He emphasised that government advertisements are meant to inform the people of Punjab about welfare initiatives and public services, not to promote political narratives outside the state. “This is not governance, this is publicity at the cost of Punjab’s people,” he remarked.
He further alleged that these advertisements appear to be strategically placed in states heading into elections, raising serious concerns that Punjab’s money is being used for political expansion rather than public welfare. Chahal asserted that a state government has a constitutional duty to prioritise its own citizens and cannot justify spending public funds for indirect political campaigning elsewhere.
Highlighting the financial condition of Punjab, Chahal said that the state is already under heavy debt and many essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure are in urgent need of funds. “Hospitals lack facilities, schools need improvement, youth are struggling for jobs, yet crores are being spent on advertisements outside Punjab. This is a betrayal of public trust,” he added.
He also demanded complete transparency and accountability in advertisement spending, urging the government to disclose full details of how much money has been spent, where it has been spent, and what benefits have been achieved for the people of Punjab. Without transparency, such expenditures only deepen suspicion and erode public confidence in governance.
In conclusion, Satnam Singh Chahal urged the Punjab Government to immediately stop this wasteful expenditure and redirect funds towards the development and welfare of Punjab. He reiterated that public money must be used for public good within the state, not for building an image beyond its borders.