Punjab Govt, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has introduced a groundbreaking budget for FY 2025-26, marking a significant milestone in the state’s progress. With an unprecedented allocation of ₹2,36,080 crore, the “Badlda Punjab” budget underscores Punjab’s commitment to social reform, infrastructure advancement, and public welfare. Presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in the Punjab Assembly, the budget adopts a comprehensive strategy to address key issues and drive inclusive growth.
A major highlight is the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, a decisive initiative aimed at tackling drug abuse and smuggling. Demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach, the government has introduced pioneering measures such as deploying 5,000 home guards along the border as a second line of defense with the BSF—an unprecedented move in India. Additionally, Punjab is setting new standards in anti-drone technology, installing advanced systems to prevent drug and arms trafficking, with ₹110 crore allocated for these efforts in FY 2025-26.
A first-of-its-kind Drug Census will be launched to assess the extent of addiction and collect comprehensive household data for targeted rehabilitation. With a proposed budget of ₹150 crore, this initiative showcases the government’s commitment to both enforcement and societal transformation.
In the sports sector, the government has unveiled “Khed-Da Punjab, Badalda Punjab”, a historic initiative with a budget of ₹979 crore—marking a staggering 355% increase from the previous year’s revised estimates. This investment surpasses the combined spending of the Akali-BJP and Congress governments on sports over the past decade. Plans include setting up 3,000 world-class indoor gyms, upgrading 13 existing Centers of Excellence, and enhancing international-level sports infrastructure to nurture talent while steering Punjab’s youth away from drugs.
Public safety is another key focus, with ₹11,560 crore allocated to Home Affairs, Jails, Law, and Justice. The Punjab 112 emergency response service will be upgraded to ensure the fastest response time in India—reducing it from 30 minutes to just 8 minutes. Additionally, ₹125 crore has been earmarked for new emergency response vehicles, while ₹53 crore will be used to build a new ‘Dial 112’ headquarters, enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
The healthcare sector, a priority under the Mann government, sees a proposed budget of ₹5,598 crore, reflecting a 10% increase from FY 2024-25. With the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, 881 facilities now provide free doctor consultations, medicines, and tests, backed by an allocation of ₹268 crore. Moreover, the state health insurance scheme will be expanded to cover all 65 lakh families in Punjab, with coverage increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per annum. A budget of ₹778 crore has been set aside to reduce healthcare costs and ensure quality medical access for all.
Rural development takes center stage with the “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab” initiative, aimed at revitalizing villages through pond restoration, sewage treatment systems, and improved water supply via Nehri Khaals. The Chief Minister Street Light Scheme will bring illumination to all villages, with ₹3,500 crore allocated to this effort.
Infrastructure development also receives a major boost, with the largest-ever rural road reconstruction plan in Punjab’s history. A budget of ₹2,873 crore will be used to upgrade 18,944 km of rural link roads. In urban areas, the government plans to introduce European-standard roads, starting with a ₹140 crore pilot project covering 50 km across Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali. Additionally, ₹225 crore has been allocated for enhanced water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and solid waste management systems in 166 cities, promoting a smart and sustainable urban model.
The “Badlda Punjab” budget sets a new benchmark for visionary governance, with bold initiatives spanning drug control, public safety, healthcare, sports, and infrastructure. It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to building a prosperous and progressive Punjab.