As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman kicks off discussions for the Union Budget 2026, Ajayvir Jakhar, a former chairperson of the Punjab State Farmers Commission, has put forward some critical suggestions. His focus is on tackling the rising costs of salary and pensions in the public sector, which he believes should be curbed to optimize spending on productivity and research.
Jakhar warns that the upcoming Eighth Pay Commission could lead to a surge in salaries. He projects that by 2047, a mid-level government employee might earn a basic salary of about ₹5.5 lakh per month, while pension payouts could reach ₹2 lakh. In contrast, 75% of farmers make less than ₹40,000 a month. Such disparities, he argues, are unsustainable.
He suggests freezing salary and pension expenditures and eliminating unnecessary lower-level positions. This would allow the government to direct funds toward attracting and retaining skilled workers. For instance, Punjab’s annual salary bill is an astounding ₹36,000 crore, straining the state’s resources.
Jakhar has also criticized the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), saying it often fails to deliver timely compensation to farmers. He proposes a new crop compensation fund that streamlines the process, making it easier for farmers to receive support when needed.
He calls for doubling public investment in agricultural research and development. Over the last 20 years, this investment has declined in real terms, hurting farm innovation. Furthermore, he suggests imposing import duties on Minimum Support Price (MSP) crops to ensure local farmers aren’t undercut by cheap imports.
On the topic of governance, Jakhar has proposed reforms like lowering the civil services exam age limit to 26 and allowing candidates only two attempts. This change aims to bring in younger, more dynamic individuals into public service.
These discussions are timely as recent studies indicate a rising trend in public sector salaries, which could limit funds for infrastructure and crucial services. By analyzing past budget cuts and returns on investments, we can see patterns that suggest a need for reform in spending priorities.
In conclusion, Jakhar’s recommendations reflect a growing need for fiscal responsibility that addresses both government expenditure and the plight of farmers, aiming for a more balanced economic future.
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