Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sought assistance from the World Bank to boost growth, enhance public services, and improve citizens’ quality of life. He highlighted the state’s reform agenda, focusing on fiscal responsibility, better governance, and improved service delivery as crucial elements in seeking financial aid, according to an official statement.

The proposed financial support is intended to align with Punjab’s development goals, which include infrastructure enhancement, human resource development, and social welfare initiatives. During discussions with World Bank Country Director Auguste Tano Kouame, Mann emphasised these priorities.

World Bank’s Longstanding Support

Kouame shared that the World Bank’s first loan to Punjab dates back to 1961, with a total of one billion dollars provided since then. He discussed the chief minister’s ambitions for the state and their interest in collaborating on an education project currently under preparation.

The education project aims to strengthen foundational learning by enhancing curriculum quality. It also seeks to facilitate students’ transition from primary to secondary and upper secondary education, eventually leading them to tertiary education.

Focus on Education and Environment

The project includes strengthening teacher training both in-service and pre-service. Additionally, it aims to improve school management systems. Punjab is also benefiting from a national-level project supporting technical universities and higher education centres.

Kouame mentioned that air quality management is another area of interest for Punjab. The state government is keen on learning from other states’ experiences to address air quality issues locally. Water preservation is also a priority for Punjab.

Water Management Initiatives

Mann explained that the state government is reviving old water resources and providing canal water for irrigation. This initiative aims to reduce electricity consumption and prevent groundwater depletion. Efforts have led to a one-metre increase in groundwater levels over the past two years.

The state has designed a programme for solarising agricultural pump sets, which is expected to significantly boost farmers’ incomes. Additionally, there are plans to incentivise farmers to shift away from paddy cultivation.

Alternative Crops and Environmental Concerns

Mann noted that rice is not Punjab’s staple diet but is grown extensively to meet national demand. He stressed the need for value addition in alternative crops like pulses and maize to encourage farmers’ adoption.

Expressing concern about lead and heavy metal presence in groundwater, Mann urged the World Bank to initiate a project similar to one in Uttar Pradesh. Kouame acknowledged Punjab’s growth potential and expressed willingness to support its efforts, recognising the importance of a robust public financial management framework.