The story of Punjab is the story of avoidable tragedies and stupidities, which offer lessons that today’s India will ignore at its peril. If the modern-day Punjab, repeatedly divided from 1947 onwards, remains vital to India’s unity, integrity and prosperity, it is no thanks to the state and national political leadership. It has more to do with the average Punjabi’s inherent wisdom, resilience and pragmatism. Its story is a warning to Modi and his acolytes who take pride in having perfected the politics of identity and hate for electoral gains.
The Rise...
Punjab transformed into India’s breadbasket through a remarkable agricultural revolution, also known as the Green Revolution of the 1960s. The then leadership recognised the importance of infrastructure for economic growth and resorted to heavy investment in irrigation and transportation. The Bhakra-Nangal Dam and its canals ensured a consistent water supply for farming on vast lands. Improved road and rail connectivity in the state enhanced market access for Punjab’s products.
Punjab experienced rapid industrialisation in sectors like textiles, agro-processing, and manufacturing, alongside its agricultural success. The state government implemented business-friendly policies to boost the economy. The state’s robust entrepreneurial tradition and thriving business culture proved an asset. The Punjabi diaspora network supported economic growth with capital, knowledge, and connections. Punjab’s progressive ecosystem facilitated its economic prosperity.
The state focused on education and human capital, which proved crucial for its growth. Universities and technical colleges nurtured skilled workers and fuelled innovation. Social development indicators in Punjab improved along with economic progress. The state government implemented welfare schemes to improve citizens’ standard of living. These initiatives focused on healthcare, sanitation, and poverty alleviation, promoting inclusive development.
And yet, the state’s economy deteriorated.
...And the Downfall
So, what caused the downfall of Punjab? A state that prided itself on its people’s progressive mindset and pride in hard work could not have regressed into medievalism and a destructive mindset just like that. Pundits tell us that Punjab’s economy had reached a plateau. This resulted in unemployment and consequent frustration among the youth. But this is only partially true. The main reason was the rise of a political leadership that lacked the vision and intellectual capacity to take Punjab’s development to the next level. Infighting in the two major parties, the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Indian National Congress led to competitive parochialism and religious bigotry. The politics of identity overshadowed the politics of progress and development.
The Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal were the main culprits in nurturing and encouraging the treacherous politics of hate that led to tragic consequences. Social unrest, religious tensions, and political violence damaged Punjab’s social harmony. These factors fuelled the Sikh separatist movement in Punjab, known as the Khalistan Movement. The consequent attempts at ethnic cleansing only created a huge rift between Hindus and Sikhs. To make matters worse, Punjab was facing challenges, including declining soil fertility, water scarcity, and lack of crop diversification. Economic distress among farmers and rural communities fuelled support for the Khalistan Movement. The lack of industrial diversification and job opportunities led to high youth unemployment. The Khalistan Movement gained support from a significant section of the state’s population.
This facilitated the meddling of foreign powers in Punjab. Anarchy reigned in the state. Operation Blue Star became unavoidable. This only led to greater terrorist activity that frequently went beyond the state’s boundaries to other parts of India.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which resulted from the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, only added to the alienation of Sikhs. Some Sikh leaders and organisations exploited grievances to promote separatist ideologies and radicalise the community, advocating for Khalistan through armed struggle. Certain sympathetic foreign entities supported and funded the Khalistan Movement. Prominent among these were Pakistan’s ISI and America’s CIA. The external backing fuelled conflict and prolonged instability in Punjab.
These factors sent Punjab into a downward social and economic spiral.
Violence and Instability
The Khalistan Movement caused violence and instability in Punjab, including terrorism, counter-insurgency, and human rights violations. The conflict caused the loss of lives and scarred Punjab’s social fabric. The violence and instability resulted in human suffering and economic consequences for the state. Businesses suffered, investments dwindled, and livelihoods were lost.
Economic Setback
Conflict and militancy harmed, and even reversed Punjab’s growth. Industrial investment declined because of investor caution, while the tourism industry suffered from security concerns. Economic stagnation and job loss occurred in Punjab because of adverse business conditions. Industries and businesses were forced to relocate or shut down, worsening Punjab’s economic challenges.
Social Disintegration
Communal tensions and mistrust peaked during the Khalistan Movement, fracturing Punjab’s society. Displacement and polarisation led to social breakdown. The conflict in Punjab caused social disintegration, fear, and insecurity, hindering economic progress.
Loss of Human Capital
The conflict in Punjab caused a ‘brain drain’ as educated individuals left for safety and better opportunities. Punjab’s economic troubles worsened because of the loss of valuable talent and expertise, hindering innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. The loss of human capital had far-reaching consequences for Punjab’s economy and position in India.
Stigmatisation and Isolation
Punjab and its people were stigmatised and discriminated against because of their association with terrorism and separatism. This stigma hindered Punjab’s integration into the mainstream economy and society, creating barriers to trade and collaboration.
Economic Slowdown and Lack of Industrial Growth
Even decades after that tragic phase, Punjab is reeling from the consequences. Punjab’s economic growth rate has dropped from 8.2% to 3.9% over the years, according to the Reserve Bank of India. Outdated infrastructure, lack of investment, and labour issues have caused the state’s industrial sector to stagnate.
Fiscal Mismanagement and Debt Burden
Punjab’s projected debt as of March 31, 2024, is ₹3.47 lakh crore. This figure reflects the financial challenges faced by the state and underscores the importance of fiscal management and economic reforms to ensure sustainable development. Its percentage of GSDP is about 43.3%. As per the Reserve Bank of India, the state’s fiscal deficit has been exceeding the prescribed 3% limit for a long time now, hindering development investments.
Deteriorating Social Indicators
Punjab’s social indicators are facing challenges, mirroring broader societal issues. While the state boasts a literacy rate higher than the national average, its rate of improvement has been slower, as revealed by the National Family Health Survey 5. According to the most recent data available, Punjab’s child sex ratio stands at a concerning 846 girls for every 1,000 boys. This figure represents the number of females per 1,000 males among children aged 0 to 6 years old. The child sex ratio is a critical demographic indicator, and concerted efforts are underway to improve this ratio through various social initiatives and government policies aimed at addressing this pressing issue.
Environmental Degradation
Punjab has suffered from severe environmental problems, including groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and alarming air pollution. The state’s reliance on water-intensive crops and excessive use of chemicals threaten the sustainability of its agriculture. Ludhiana and Khanna were among the most polluted cities in Punjab, according to IQAir AirVisual’s 2019 World Air Quality Report. Environmental degradation jeopardises health and economic prospects.
Groundwater Depletion
Punjab’s agricultural sector, which contributes 27% to its GSDP, is facing challenges. It is grappling with a severe groundwater crisis caused by over-extraction for irrigation. A study by the Central Ground Water Board found that Punjab’s groundwater level is declining by 0.7 meters per year. The depletion of groundwater threatens the state’s agriculture, which depends on irrigation to a significant extent. Groundwater depletion may lead to water scarcity, impacting farmers and Punjab’s agricultural economy. Immediate and concerted efforts are needed to promote sustainable water management practices.
Soil Health Degradation
Punjab’s soil health and agricultural productivity have suffered because of intensive farming, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides. PAU study shows that continuous rice-wheat cropping depletes nutrients, reduces yields, and increases pest vulnerability. Soil degradation affects both agricultural yields and Punjab’s farming sector sustainability. To address this issue, we need sustainable agricultural practices like crop rotation, integrated nutrient management, and organic fertilisers to restore soil fertility and promote ecosystem health.
The Drug Abuse Epidemic
Punjab is facing a widespread drug abuse epidemic, especially among its youth, with increased use of opioids, heroin, and synthetic drugs. According to a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Punjab had the highest opioid dependence in India, with 2.3% of its population addicted. Drug abuse has torn apart families and communities, causing a devastating impact. The BBC documentary “Highway: Punjab in Blue” highlighted the crisis and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The drug menace has impacted Punjab’s social fabric and hindered economic growth.
Addressing drug abuse requires disrupting supply chains, enforcing laws, and providing rehabilitation programs. Addressing socio-economic factors is crucial for a sustainable solution to drug abuse.
Unemployment and Economic Stagnation
Punjab faces challenges like unemployment, underemployment, and economic stagnation because of its struggling traditional industries. This has led to limited job prospects, especially for young people.
Punjab’s unemployment rate in 2020 was 11.2%, higher than the national average, as per CMIE. High unemployment has led to economic hardship and social unrest among the state’s youth. Closure of small-scale industries in Punjab’s towns like Ludhiana and Amritsar reflects economic challenges because of factors like lack of infrastructure, high costs, and bureaucracy. Reviving industries and creating a favourable environment for entrepreneurship is crucial for addressing unemployment and economic stagnation.
Deterioration in Social Indicators
Healthcare
Access to healthcare, maternal mortality rate, and child health have worsened in Punjab, despite previous improvements. The state’s healthcare system is insufficient for its population’s needs. Limited access to quality healthcare affects Punjab’s citizens and hinders economic productivity and development. Health is crucial for a productive workforce and economic growth.
Education
Punjab’s education standards have fallen because of teacher vacancies, inadequate infrastructure, and poor education quality. These challenges hinder the state’s ability to nurture a skilled workforce, essential for driving innovation and economic growth.
Lessons for the Rest of India
All those who are thumping their chests while mouthing Hindu supremacist shibboleths need to learn from the fate of Punjab. Already there are signs of deteriorating social and human index indicators in the country. If our political and social leaders and opinion makers do not wake up to this approaching disaster in time, then the coming generations will not forgive them.
The Way Forward
However, Punjab is too important to be left to its fate. It needs to be nurtured back to its original, vibrant self. For a start, the following aspects need to be given urgent attention:
Economy
Improving Punjab’s economy is a complex challenge that requires a well-rounded approach, kind of like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle with multiple pieces that need to fit together perfectly.
First up, let’s talk about agriculture. For too long, farmers have been growing wheat and paddy crops, which puts a strain on our precious water resources. It’s time to encourage them to diversify into high-value crops and livestock on a large scale. This could be a game-changer for their incomes and help them live a more comfortable life.
Next, cities like Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Mandi Gobindgarh, and Ludhiana have a rich manufacturing heritage, but they’ve been struggling lately. Reviving these clusters, and making it easier for businesses to operate, can attract new investments and create more job opportunities.
We can’t overlook the importance of infrastructure and power. Trying to run a factory without reliable electricity or proper roads and transportation systems is like running a marathon with a broken leg. Investing in these crucial areas will boost industrial growth and improve the overall quality of life.
Education and healthcare are two pillars that can’t be ignored. By enhancing the quality of education and vocational training, the workforce can be equipped with the skills needed to thrive in modern industries. Healthcare is another important issue. A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce.
By offering attractive incentives like tax exemptions and subsidised loans, Punjab can once again become an appealing destination for businesses. The Punjabi diaspora has connections, know-how, and resources that could prove invaluable in driving the state’s economic growth. By encouraging public-private partnerships, we can bring together the best minds from the government and private sector to tackle various economic challenges in innovative and efficient ways.
A comprehensive approach that combines agricultural reform, industrial development, infrastructure improvements, skill development, healthcare enhancements, incentives, diaspora engagement, and public-private partnerships is a must. It may sound like a lot, but with determination and a clear vision, we can make Punjab’s economy shine once again.
Dealing with the stigma
The Punjabi community has been unfairly labelled and stereotyped for far too long, and it’s time we put an end to it. It is time to understand that Khalistani and Punjabi are not synonymous. Accurate information about the history, culture, and contributions of Punjabis can dispel the myths and misconceptions that have been floating around for way too long.
It is time for the media and community leaders to build bridges rather than walls—something that has been happening for a while now. Creating platforms for intercultural dialogue and community events can foster understanding and solidarity among different groups.
Having laws and policies in place that protect against discrimination and hate speech can create a safer environment for all communities, including Punjabis. Public campaigns celebrating society's diversity and unity can do wonders in changing public perceptions and attitudes.
For those affected by stigma, having a sense of community and shared resilience can make all the difference in the world. It’s like having a safety net to catch you when the world tries to bring you down. The healing process requires a multi-pronged approach that combines education, media representation, community engagement, legal protection, public campaigns, personal stories, peaceful protest, and support networks. It may seem like a lot, but breaking down stigma and promoting understanding is no easy feat.
No comments:
Post a Comment