Let us see how both CMs have performed in the last five years.

An English Idiom says, “proof of the pudding is in the eating”. Here we are going to compare hard facts.

Punjab is a full state, with a CM who has all the resources at his disposal. On the other hand, Delhi is not a full state with a CM with limited impact capability.

Delhi has the advantage of being the national capital but is comparatively smaller in size. Both state CMs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Hence, we are not comparing chalk and cheese.

So, let us see how both CMs have performed in the last four years. Both claim to be hardworking and equally concerned. But what matters is the outcome and result.

Economic Growth

We tried to go through the IBEF presentation of both Delhi and Punjab to see how the states compare in terms of GSDP growth. Delhi’s average growth rate (CAGR) in constant currency was 7.70%, while Punjab was lagging by 6.76%.

Delhi’s economy (US$ 108.33 Billion) is larger than that of Punjab(US$ 74.61) despite Punjab being a bigger state.

This shows Arvind beats Amrinder in driving economic prosperity and creating opportunities.

Fig 1: GSDP growth of Delhi and Punjab

Per Capita Income

Punjab’s per capita income is less than half of Delhi’s per capita income. Despite having more than twice the per capita income, Delhi’s per capita grew faster. The trend is contrary to the common phenomenon as the options are saturating in Delhi, and Punjab is expected to generate more opportunities.

During 2021 under constant prices, the per capita income of Delhi was 3.9 Lakhs and Punjab 1.7 lakhs. The comparison indicates Arvind beats Amrinder in making the people of his state richer.

Fig 2: Per Capita GSDP of Delhi and Punjab

FDI Inflow

FDI inflow in Punjab is negligible compared to Delhi despite Punjabis being entrepreneurs, and many settled overseas. During the period Oct 2019 to March 2021, Delhi received Foreign Direct Investment of USD 9.4 Billion, wherein Punjab received USD 741.23 Million. Once again, Arvind’s performance is at a level that makes even the comparison difficult.
Fig 2: FDI received by Punjab and Delhi

Electricity Tariffs

Electricity tariffs are one of the lowest in Delhi. There has been a significant amount of work done in Tariff rationalization. People are benefitted in Delhi several times more compared to Punjab from not just the lower tariff but good availability. We have taken up to 300 units for comparison.

In addition, Delhi’s availability of power is 99.4% and exceeds the benchmark requirements of 98%. Punjab’s availability appears to be a journey as there is a shortfall.

Arvind is much ahead in terms of power reforms to Amrinder, and the Delhi electricity model has become a game-changer.

Fig 4: Power Tariff Delhi Vs Punjab

Healthcare

Delhi Government healthcare allocation is 3 times the percentage of spend on healthcare against the budget. Delhi Government has received several recognitions for the healthcare facility, which has been praised at the national and international level and has become a model.

Fig 5: Healthcare budget spending as a percentage of budget

For Punjab, Healthcare is a journey despite good hospitals and an enthusiastic population. Arvind stands out in Healthcare and becomes a role model.

Education

Delhi’s share of spending on education is best in the country. Punjab does not come even close to the educational spend as percentage of its budget. Over the years the Delhi Government schools have earned the international recognition and has become a role model. It will be unfair to compare Arvind’s amazing performance in education with that of Amrinder.

Fig 6: Education budget spending as a percentage if budget

Unemployment

As per CMIE data, Punjab performed pretty well in terms of Unemployment compared to Delhi. Punjab did better than Delhi in labor participation and controlling unemployment.

For whatever reason, Captain Amrinder has managed the employment situation better, which means people are getting some wage. Amrinder has managed to beat Arvind fairly well in managing the employment situation.

Table 1: Average Unemployment Data from Jan 2016 till Dec 2020

We can safely conclude from the above comparisons that Arvind is ahead of Amrinder, at least on the parameters judged above. However, excellence remains a journey, and politics seldom revolve around truth and facts.

Hopefully, the insight above will help everyone draw a comparison and discuss the journey towards a better and cleaner political environment irrespective of who wins next.

Also Read:

Punjab Cong: Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory

Punjab – How a deadly cocktail of Agri-Water-Energy nexus going to destroy it?

The saga of an Unborn Vikas – Driving India Backwards?

Death Registers Expose The Gujarat Model Of Counting The Dead

Opposition Unity For GE 2024: Myth Or Reality?

Afghanistan’s Future

युद्ध के मैदान में खेले जा रहे खेल से कौन हो रहा मालामाल?

Watch video: