4 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab, once considered one of India’s most prosperous and progressive states, today finds itself grappling with economic stress, agrarian challenges, fiscal pressures, and social concerns. In contrast, neighbouring Haryana—despite sharing similar geography, culture, and agrarian roots—has managed to carve out a comparatively stronger growth and governance trajectory. For Punjab, taking a leaf out of Haryana’s playbook could offer valuable lessons in reviving growth, restoring fiscal discipline, and building sustainable development.
Both states were products of the 1966 reorganisation and beneficiaries of the Green Revolution. For decades, Punjab led the way in agricultural productivity and rural prosperity. However, over time, overdependence on wheat and paddy, stagnant industrial growth, rising debt, and environmental degradation have slowed Punjab’s momentum. Haryana, while facing its own challenges, has diversified its economy and governance approach more decisively.
One of the most striking differences lies in industrial and investment policy. Haryana has aggressively positioned itself as an investment-friendly state, especially in manufacturing, automobiles, logistics, and IT-enabled services. Cities such as Gurugram and Faridabad have emerged as major corporate and industrial hubs, attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Clear land policies, faster approvals, and infrastructure development have played a critical role.
Punjab, on the other hand, has struggled to attract large-scale private investment. Issues related to land acquisition, regulatory uncertainty, and slower project clearances have often discouraged investors. Taking cues from Haryana, Punjab could streamline approval processes, create sector-specific industrial clusters, and actively promote ease of doing business to revive industrial growth.
Another area where Haryana has made notable progress is infrastructure. Significant investments in expressways, industrial corridors, logistics parks, and urban transport have improved connectivity within the state and with national markets. This infrastructure push has helped reduce logistics costs and made Haryana a preferred destination for industries.
Punjab’s infrastructure development has been comparatively slower. While the state has decent road connectivity, it lacks large-scale logistics hubs and integrated industrial corridors. Adopting Haryana’s infrastructure-led growth approach could help Punjab better integrate with national supply chains and attract new industries.
Agriculture remains central to both states, but policy responses have differed. Haryana has gradually encouraged crop diversification, horticulture, and allied activities such as dairy and fisheries. While progress has been uneven, the state has at least acknowledged the limits of the wheat-paddy cycle and taken steps toward change.
Punjab continues to face severe ecological stress due to groundwater depletion and soil degradation, largely driven by monoculture farming. Learning from Haryana, Punjab could push harder for diversification through incentives, market linkages, and investment in food processing. Strengthening farmer-producer organisations and agri-based industries could create alternative income streams for rural households.
Fiscal management is another critical contrast. Haryana, despite rising expenditure demands, has maintained relatively better fiscal discipline and revenue mobilisation. It has focused on expanding its tax base, improving compliance, and prioritising capital expenditure.
Punjab’s fiscal situation is far more strained, with high debt levels limiting its ability to invest in development. Rationalising subsidies, improving tax administration, and focusing on productive spending—rather than short-term populist measures—are lessons Punjab could draw from Haryana’s approach.
Social indicators also offer important insights. Haryana has invested heavily in skill development, higher education, and employability programmes aligned with industry needs. Skill universities, training centres, and partnerships with private players have helped prepare youth for non-agricultural jobs.
Punjab faces a growing challenge of youth unemployment and migration. Emulating Haryana’s skill-focused model could help align education with market demand and reduce dependence on government jobs. Encouraging entrepreneurship and start-ups, particularly in smaller towns, could further energise the economy.
Governance reforms have played a key role in Haryana’s relative success. Greater use of technology in service delivery, digitisation of records, and time-bound delivery of public services have improved administrative efficiency. While challenges remain, these reforms have helped build investor confidence and public trust.
Punjab has initiated similar reforms but needs faster and more consistent implementation. Strengthening local governance, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring accountability could significantly improve outcomes across sectors.
None of this implies that Haryana is without problems or that its model can be copied wholesale. Each state has unique social, political, and economic realities. However, Haryana’s emphasis on diversification, infrastructure, fiscal prudence, and governance offers a practical reference point.
For Punjab, the choice is not between tradition and change, but between stagnation and renewal. Taking a leaf out of Haryana’s book—while adapting policies to local realities—could help Punjab reclaim its position as a leading state in growth, opportunity, and prosperity.
Summary:
Punjab can revive growth by learning from Haryana’s focus on diversification, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and governance reforms, adapting these lessons to address its agrarian, economic, and employment challenges.