CM Mann Demands Special Status and Tax Haven Relief for Punjab
All-Party Meet Echoes Call for Fiscal Package, Border Duty Allowance Inspired by J&K Model
Chandigarh, May 10, 2025 – Asserting Punjab’s frontline role in India’s defense and sacrifices, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has strongly pitched for special status and tax haven relief for the state, urging the Centre to acknowledge Punjab’s unique vulnerabilities and contributions. Speaking at an all-party meeting convened by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, CM Mann rallied political consensus for what he termed as a long-overdue economic justice.
“Punjab is the first to face the fire in every conflict and always the last to get relief. It’s time the Centre recognizes this reality with action,” said CM Mann.
A United Political Front for Punjab’s Cause
Calling for unity beyond party lines, Bhagwant Mann appealed to all political factions to collectively advocate for Punjab’s interests. Emphasizing that the state has borne the brunt of every Indo-Pak conflict, he argued that its role as India’s sword arm and food bowl must now translate into concrete fiscal benefits.
“Our farmers feed the nation. Our soldiers guard the borders. Yet our people are left to bear losses alone. That must change,” he said.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to extend a special package akin to that of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes tax incentives, development grants, and border-area compensations.
Fiscal Package and Border Duty Allowance
Among the key demands raised by the Chief Minister were:
- Special economic package for Punjab on the lines of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Tax haven status to stimulate investment and industrial revival.
- Border duty allowance for doctors, teachers, Anganwadi workers, and other personnel posted in vulnerable districts.
CM Mann highlighted the disproportionate impact of border tensions on Punjab’s local population, stating that residents of these regions are regularly affected by shelling, military build-ups, and loss of livelihoods.
“Our people live in constant fear. We need support, not just salutes,” he added.
Ground-Level Visit to Border Areas
In a proactive step, CM Mann announced a personal tour of Punjab’s border districts starting Sunday to assess the ground situation and meet those impacted by security tensions.
The Chief Minister assured that:
- Victims of border tensions would be duly compensated by the state.
- Punjab Police would be further equipped with modern technology to serve as a robust second line of defense.
“Our police are not just enforcing law and order—they’re defending the nation. They deserve the best tools and training,” he said.
Why Punjab Needs Special Status
CM Mann presented a compelling case for the Centre to revisit its treatment of Punjab in national policy, citing:
- Border vulnerability and historical frontline position in every Indo-Pak conflict.
- Major economic contribution, especially in agriculture.
- Lack of federal fiscal support despite security and economic burdens.
The state government also plans to submit a formal proposal to the Government of India, requesting the introduction of a comprehensive relief and reform package tailored to Punjab’s unique circumstances.