Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan recently announced that he would consider the demand raised by MLA Bawa Henry to impose a two-child policy in Punjab. This suggestion, however, is not only absurd but also reflects a glaring disconnect from the demographic and socio-economic realities of the state. Unlike states such as Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, where population control is a pressing concern, Punjab’s fertility rate has already dipped below the replacement level. Most Punjabi families today consciously choose to have only one or two children, not out of state pressure, but out of their own economic and lifestyle considerations.
Advocating a two-child policy in Punjab is not just unnecessary — it is a textbook example of hollow political theatrics. This move appears to be more about creating headlines than offering meaningful solutions. While the state grapples with serious issues like unemployment among the youth, the growing menace of drug addiction, deepening agrarian crises, rampant brain drain, and deteriorating infrastructure, such misplaced proposals only serve as distractions. They do nothing to address the real concerns that affect millions of Punjabi citizens daily.
Instead of pushing outdated and irrelevant policies, leaders like Bawa Henry should channel their energy into initiatives that truly benefit the state. Punjab needs visionary leadership that focuses on creating jobs, modernizing education, reviving the rural economy, and stemming the outflow of talent. The youth of Punjab are not looking for symbolic policies — they are seeking real opportunities, better governance, and hope for a dignified future.
In a striking contrast, the same Speaker who was quick to entertain this outlandish population control suggestion did not even show willingness to consider a more pressing and rooted demand raised by senior Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Khaira had written to Speaker Sandhwan urging the Assembly to take action to prevent non-residents from buying agricultural land in Punjab and registering as voters — a serious issue with potential long-term socio-political consequences. Yet, this genuine concern, grounded in protecting Punjab’s demographic integrity and agrarian economy, has received no such assurance of consideration.
This selective sensitivity from the Speaker raises troubling questions. Why is a regressive policy with no relevance to Punjab being entertained, while an appeal to safeguard Punjab’s land and voting rights is seemingly ignored? Such inconsistencies not only undermine public trust but also expose the skewed priorities of those in power.
Punjab doesn’t need more empty gestures. It needs honest, ground-rooted leadership willing to engage with the real issues — not those trying to score points with performative politics.