Punjab's Rs 4.47 Lakh Crore Debt Emerges as Major Economic Concern Ahead of 2027 Polls: Manish Tiwari

Punjab’s mounting debt burden is emerging as a major economic concern ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Congress MP and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance member Manish Tiwari has said. Tiwari pointed to Punjab’s debt-to-GDP ratio of around 55 per cent, calling it a serious warning sign. He said the state’s outstanding debt could reach nearly ₹4.47 lakh crore by March 31, 2027.

According to Tiwari, the debt crisis is among five major challenges confronting Punjab. He said the other key concerns include the state’s agriculture sector, declining groundwater levels, limited employment opportunities and the growing problem of narco-terrorism. Highlighting the pressure on agriculture, Tiwari said a large majority of Punjab’s farmers own relatively small landholdings of between two and five acres. In his view, farming alone is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, even with the support of the minimum support price system.

Water scarcity is another pressing issue, he said. Tiwari claimed that Punjab’s groundwater levels have fallen by around 30 to 40 metres over the past three decades, with some areas in southern Punjab witnessing groundwater depths of 600 to 700 feet. He also raised concerns about the employment prospects of the state’s younger population. Tiwari argued that limited industrial growth and inadequate skilling have contributed to a situation in which English-language testing such as IELTS has become closely associated with young Punjabis seeking opportunities overseas.

With countries increasingly tightening immigration and entry rules, he warned that Punjab could face additional employment pressures if opportunities abroad become harder to access. Tiwari also listed narco-terrorism, often linked locally with gangsterism, among the state’s major challenges. He said the issue requires greater attention alongside Punjab’s economic problems.

As political parties prepare for the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections, Tiwari argued that these structural issues should become part of the broader electoral debate. He questioned whether the election campaign should remain focused primarily on political competition or also address Punjab’s long-term economic and social sustainability. He further observed that despite their significance, debt, agriculture, groundwater depletion, unemployment and narco-terrorism have so far not received enough prominence in Punjab’s public discourse ahead of the 2027 polls.