Amritsar, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has urged the Centre to announce a special, multi-year financial package for Amritsar’s border belt, citing the economic impact of the closure of India-Pakistan cross-border trade, inadequate industrial investment, unemployment and repeated flooding in the region.
Aujla met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and submitted a letter seeking focused financial assistance for Attari, Ajnala, Ramdas and adjoining border villages.
He said the suspension of cross-border trade had adversely affected transporters, clearing agents, labourers, traders, warehouse operators and thousands of families whose livelihoods were directly or indirectly linked to border trade.
The MP also highlighted the shortage of industrial investment and employment opportunities in Amritsar, saying this had contributed to industries and investments shifting to neighbouring states and raised concerns over employment prospects for local youth.
Aujla further drew attention to recurring floods and extreme weather in the border belt, particularly the Ajnala and Ravi areas. He said these events had damaged roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure and called for a dedicated development plan with stronger flood-resilient infrastructure.
Highlighting Amritsar’s importance as a major international tourism destination, Aujla pointed to Sri Harmandir Sahib and the Attari-Wagah Border and said the region’s strategic and economic significance warranted greater development support.
He sought a multi-year package covering industrial revival, new investment and MSME development; employment, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities; modern roads, bridges and connectivity; flood-resilient infrastructure; rehabilitation of businesses affected by the trade closure; improved government healthcare and emergency facilities; and the development of Attari as a world-class border tourism destination.
Aujla said border residents had safeguarded the country’s frontiers for generations and deserved focused economic and social support. He urged Sitharaman to personally intervene and initiate steps for sanctioning a substantial and time-bound financial package for the Amritsar border belt.
FOLLOW NOW
