The North News
Chandigarh, March 26
Punjab has announced a historic budget for the financial year 2025-26, setting an unprecedented allocation of Rs 2,36,080 crore under the “Badlda Punjab” initiative. Presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in the Punjab Assembly, the budget focuses on social reforms, infrastructure development, and public welfare.
War Against Drugs
A major highlight is the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, aimed at combating drug abuse and smuggling. The government has allocated Rs 110 crore for modern anti-drone technology and the deployment of 5,000 home guards alongside the BSF to strengthen border security. Additionally, Punjab will conduct India’s first drug census, with Rs 150 crore earmarked for data collection and targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Revolutionizing Sports
The “Khed-Da Punjab, Badalda Punjab” initiative has received Rs 979 crore, marking a 355% increase from the revised FY 2024-25 budget. Punjab plans to establish 3,000 world-class indoor gyms and upgrade 13 Centers of Excellence, promoting sports to steer youth away from drugs.
Enhanced Public Safety
The budget allocates Rs 11,560 crore for Home Affairs, Jails, Law, and Justice. The Dial 112 emergency response service will now operate with a record 8-minute response time, supported by Rs 125 crore for new emergency response vehicles and Rs 53 crore for a new headquarters.
Healthcare Expansion
With Rs 5,598 crore allocated to health and family welfare, Punjab aims to universalize primary healthcare access. The Aam Aadmi Clinics initiative will receive Rs 268 crore to provide free consultations, medicines, and tests. The state health insurance scheme will be expanded to cover 65 lakh families, with the annual insurance cover raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, supported by a Rs 778 crore allocation.
Rural Development and Infrastructure
Under the “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab” initiative, Punjab will spend Rs 3,500 crore on village rejuvenation, including pond restoration, sewage treatment, and street lighting. The state will also reconstruct 18,944 km of rural link roads, with Rs 2,873 crore allocated for road construction.
Urban Transformation
A pilot project worth Rs 140 crore will introduce European-standard roads across 50 km in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali. Enhanced water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and solid waste management in 166 cities will elevate urban living, with Rs 225 crore allocated under the Punjab Municipal Development Fund.
A Visionary Budget
The “Badlda Punjab” budget sets a new benchmark for governance, demonstrating Punjab’s commitment to drug reform, public safety, health, sports, and infrastructure. With an ambitious roadmap for inclusive growth, Punjab moves towards a prosperous and progressive future.
