Punjab made headlines on International Women’s Day as Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema tabled a whopping ₹2,36,080 crore budget for 2025-26, hailing it as historic for celebrating women’s strength. Aligned with ‘Changing Punjab’ vision, it spotlights health, education, rural uplift, industry, agriculture, sports, and social security.
Economic outlook shines: GSDP projected at ₹28.91 lakh crore for 2025-26, growing 10% to ₹9.81 lakh crore in 2026-27, driven by farm yields, services boom, industrial vigor. Expenditure proposal for 2026-27: ₹12.60 lakh crore, with controlled deficits at 2.06% revenue and 4.08% fiscal – proof of balanced governance.
Star measure: Monthly ₹1,000 for women, ₹1,500 for SC women through ‘Mukhyamantri Matayen-Betiyan Satkar Yojana’ direct deposits.
Education revolution advances with ₹19,279 crore (7% hike): 20,000 schools upgraded – 99% fenced, toilets in place, 1L+ desks, daily sanitation by 8,286, security for 3,000+, admin support via 1,798 managers. 6,200 classrooms new, 4,700 revamped; ₹690 crore for enhancements and aesthetics drive.
Anti-drug thrust: 5,000 homeguards at borders, anti-drone systems (₹110 crore), ‘Drug Census’ (₹150 crore) to map addiction impacts.
Revamping ‘112’: 758 four-wheelers, 916 two-wheelers for 8-min response (from 30), ₹125 crore; ₹53 crore Mohali control center.
Sports for youth: ‘Khedda Punjab, Badalda Punjab’ builds rural grounds, 3,000 indoor gyms; ₹979 crore sports budget.
Health ₹5,598 crore incl. ₹778 crore for ₹10L/family cashless care. Rural ₹2,873 crore, urban infra ₹225 crore + 347 e-buses. Free 300 electricity units (₹7,614 crore). Agri ₹14,524 crore, welfare ₹9,340 crore, industrial boost ₹250 crore.
Punjab’s budget paves way for inclusive prosperity.