Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the state’s FY26 budget on Wednesday, pegged at Rs 2.36 lakh crore with measures to address critical issues like drug abuse, defence, and agriculture.
Key highlights of Punjab’s FY26 Budget
One of the standout proposals is the first-ever “drug census” in Punjab in an effort to gauge the scale of drug usage across the state and evaluating the effectiveness of de-addiction centres.
The budget also focuses on providing universal healthcare coverage, improving border security, and addressing environmental concerns such as stubble burning.
The state finance minister also hailed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He said that under Mann’s leadership, Punjab has made significant strides in various sectors, and this budget aims to further solidify the state’s progress.
Key highlights of Punjab’s FY26 Budget
- The state will conduct its first-ever “drug census” to assess drug prevalence and evaluate the usage of de-addiction centres.
- 5,000 home guards will be deployed alongside the BSF to establish a second line of defence at Punjab’s border.
- For the first time, the Punjab government will extend its state health insurance scheme to cover all 65 lakh families in the state, ensuring universal participation, regardless of income or location.
- Rs 9,992 crore has been allocated for providing power subsidies to the agriculture sector.
- The government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the national concern of stubble burning and finding sustainable solutions.
