As Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann steps into the third year of his tenure, a critical question looms over the political discourse in the state: will the persistent issues he has raised finally see any resolution, or will they remain entangled in the bureaucratic and political deadlock that has long plagued Punjab’s governance?
At the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, CM Mann once again highlighted long-standing demands and grievances that reflect the deep-rooted challenges Punjab continues to face. While his assertive voice at the national stage is commendable, the core concern remains—will speaking up be enough to actually bring change?
Among the most contentious issues raised is the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. CM Mann categorically reiterated that Punjab simply does not have surplus water to spare. The Sutlej, once a lifeline for the state, is now a shadow of its former self, and the declining water table across Punjab further aggravates the crisis. Mann proposed a reversal of the canal’s utility—transforming it into a Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) to bring water into Punjab rather than taking it away.
Yet, despite strong rhetoric and legislative backing from the Punjab Assembly, a solution remains elusive. Haryana continues to press its demand, and the central government has shown reluctance to take a definitive stance. The problem is not only legal but also deeply political, intertwined with federal dynamics and interstate rivalry. Until there is a coordinated and science-backed water-sharing agreement among the northern states, Mann’s repeated appeals may not yield tangible results.
Mann has also spoken out against what he calls bias in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), especially in matters concerning water distribution and appointment policies. The Punjab Assembly went so far as to pass a resolution rejecting any order of BBMB that undermines the state’s autonomy over its rivers.
While this represents an assertive pushback against federal imbalance, the actual implementation of such resolutions is fraught with complications. BBMB, being under the central government, can override many state-level decisions, leaving Punjab with little more than symbolic protest. Unless there’s a systemic reform in how river boards are structured and operated, Punjab’s voice may continue to be muffled in the corridors of power.
Unaddressed and Underplayed Issues
While Mann’s government has rightfully focused on water, agriculture, and federal justice, there are several pressing issues that remain under-discussed or insufficiently addressed:
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Drug Menace: Punjab continues to reel under the drug crisis. While Mann’s government has promised zero tolerance, the on-ground impact remains minimal. Rehabilitation centers are underfunded, and enforcement agencies struggle with political interference.
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Agrarian Reform Beyond MSP: While support for MSP (Minimum Support Price) and loan waivers has been constant, there is little in terms of structural reform—such as crop diversification, irrigation modernization, or direct market access for farmers.
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Brain Drain and Youth Migration: The increasing trend of Punjabi youth moving abroad, especially to Canada and Australia, is an alarm bell. There is an urgent need to create high-quality education, jobs, and entrepreneurship opportunities to retain talent.
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Education and Health Infrastructure: Despite campaign promises, public schools and health centers in many rural areas remain under-equipped. The “Delhi model” of governance that AAP promised has yet to be replicated meaningfully in Punjab.
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Industrial Backwardness: Border districts, especially in Malwa and Majha regions, lack strong industrial presence. Mann has demanded an economic corridor and industrial package—but without central push and private sector incentives, these ideas remain on paper.
Will There Be Solutions?
The harsh truth is that many of the issues raised by CM Mann—though legitimate and urgent—require more than state-level intent. They demand:
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Coordinated support from the central government
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Active engagement with neighboring states
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Judicial intervention (in cases like SYL)
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Reforms in federal structures like BBMB
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Transparent, corruption-free execution at the state level
Without these alignments, Mann’s demands may echo loudly but achieve little. Moreover, frequent political friction with the Centre, especially given AAP’s position as a non-BJP party, may further complicate cooperation on key issues.
The Road Ahead
To truly bring solutions, CM Mann must go beyond raising issues and move toward strategic coalition-building, data-backed proposals, and robust execution plans. Punjab also needs to involve its civil society, think tanks, and farmer organizations in policymaking to bridge the gap between ground realities and bureaucratic vision.
Simultaneously, it’s imperative for the central government to treat Punjab not as a political adversary but as a state crying out for partnership and support. Federal India thrives only when all its states feel equally heard and supported.