Punjab Unveils Historic Budget for FY 2025-26 with Focus on Development and Welfare

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has introduced a transformative budget for the financial year 2025-26, allocating an unprecedented Rs 2,36,080 crore. This visionary budget, presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in the Punjab Assembly, aims to propel the state towards comprehensive development with key priorities in social reform, infrastructure enhancement, public welfare, and security measures.

Combating Drug Abuse and Strengthening Border Security

A major highlight of the budget is the aggressive push to combat drug abuse and smuggling through the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. To reinforce national security, 5,000 home guards will be deployed alongside the Border Security Force (BSF) to create a robust defense mechanism at the border. Punjab is also leading in adopting modern anti-drone technology to counter drug and arms trafficking. A budget of Rs 110 crore has been allocated for these initiatives, ensuring a strengthened response to cross-border narcotics operations.

To further assess and address drug addiction, the state is launching India’s first-ever drug census, with a Rs 150 crore budget, which will collect data from every household to devise targeted rehabilitation strategies. This initiative is set to revolutionize Punjab’s approach to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation.

Revolutionizing Sports Infrastructure

Under the “Khed-Da Punjab, Badalda Punjab” initiative, the Punjab government has proposed a historic budget estimate of Rs 979 crore, marking a 355% increase compared to the revised budget estimates of FY 2024-25. This initiative aims to establish 3,000 indoor gyms and modernize 13 existing Centers of Excellence, while also developing international-level sports infrastructure to foster young talent. The move is expected to create a vibrant sports culture and help divert the youth from substance abuse towards constructive activities.

Enhanced Safety and Emergency Response

The budget prioritizes public safety with an allocation of Rs 11,560 crore for Home Affairs, Jails, Law, and Justice. Punjab’s 112 emergency response service will now be enhanced to ensure the fastest response time in India, reducing it from 30 minutes to just 8 minutes. An allocation of Rs 125 crore has been set aside for purchasing new emergency response vehicles, while Rs 53 crore will be used to establish a new ‘Dial 112’ headquarters, significantly strengthening Punjab’s law enforcement capabilities.

Universal Healthcare Expansion

The Punjab government has significantly expanded its healthcare initiatives with a budget estimate of Rs 5,598 crore, reflecting a 10% increase over the revised estimates of FY 2024-25. The successful Aam Aadmi Clinics initiative will see an allocation of Rs 268 crore, ensuring free doctor consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests for all residents.

Additionally, the state has decided to universalize the health insurance scheme, covering all 65 lakh families of Punjab. The insurance cap will be raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per annum per family, with a Rs 778 crore budget allocation, providing substantial financial relief and improved medical accessibility.

Rural and Urban Development Initiatives

The “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab” scheme aims to rejuvenate villages by focusing on water conservation, sewage treatment, and infrastructure development. The government has earmarked Rs 3,500 crore to enhance rural areas, including reviving ponds and setting up sewage treatment systems.

Punjab is also undertaking an ambitious road network improvement project, with Rs 2,873 crore allocated for reconstructing 18,944 kilometers of rural link roads, marking the most extensive development plan in the state’s history.

On the urban front, Punjab is set to introduce European-standard infrastructure with a Rs 140 crore pilot project to develop 50 kilometers of roads in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali). An additional Rs 225 crore has been allocated under the Punjab Municipal Development Fund for enhanced sanitation, water supply, and street lighting in 166 cities.

A Vision for a Progressive Punjab

The Mann-led government’s “Badlda Punjab” budget reflects a forward-thinking governance approach with an unwavering commitment to public welfare, infrastructure growth, and economic development. With a focus on tackling drug abuse, enhancing security, improving healthcare, promoting sports, and advancing rural and urban development, the Punjab budget for FY 2025-26 sets a new benchmark for progressive and inclusive growth.