Punjab’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, and Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, hailed the Punjab Budget 2025 as a comprehensive roadmap for ‘Badalda Punjab.’ He emphasized that the budget not only prioritizes village development but also focuses on industrial growth and the preservation of Punjab’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Transforming Punjab’s Villages
Minister Tarunpreet highlighted that Punjab’s progress is incomplete without rural transformation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has introduced a two-year plan to uplift infrastructure across 12,581 villages under the “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab” initiative. Key projects include:
Rejuvenation of village ponds
Implementation of sewage treatment systems using Seechewal-Thapar and other cost-effective models
Restoration of Nehri Khaals to improve canal water supply
Development of village playgrounds
Installation of streetlights under the Mukh Mantri Street Light Yojana
A total of ₹3,500 crore has been earmarked for these initiatives. Additionally, the budget allocates ₹2,873 crore for the construction and upgradation of 18,944 km of rural link roads, to be undertaken by the Punjab Mandi Board in FY 2025-26.
Boosting Industry & Employment
The budget also places strong emphasis on industrial growth. Minister Tarunpreet welcomed the announcement of a new industrial policy, aimed at fostering the expansion of both small and large businesses and generating quality jobs for the youth. Notably, ₹250 crore has been allocated as financial incentives for industries—the highest in Punjab’s history. In contrast, previous governments spent only ₹53 crore in five years, while their predecessors allocated nothing.
To promote national integration and Punjab’s industrial and cultural diversity, the state will establish a Unity Mall in Amritsar. This mall will showcase products from all states/UTs and Punjab’s 23 districts, providing a platform for artisans and entrepreneurs. A budget of ₹80 crore has been set aside for this project.
The budget also includes special provisions for MSMEs, with a focus on technology and innovation. Punjab is setting up Technology Extension Centers (TEC) in Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga, Patiala, and Mohali to support industrial hubs. Additionally, ₹10 crore has been allocated to upgrade Ludhiana’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre and the Institute of Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology (IAHT).
Promoting Tourism & Cultural Heritage
Recognizing the importance of cultural preservation, the budget allocates funds for various initiatives:
Commemoration of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom, including state-level events and infrastructure development at historic sites.
₹10 crore to develop Nangal into a tourism hub.
₹54 crore for a Heritage Street and an auditorium in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
Statewide cultural programs, festivals, and historical plays to celebrate Punjab’s rich heritage.
The government has allocated ₹204 crore for these tourism and cultural projects in FY 2025-26.
A Budget for a Progressive Punjab
Expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that this budget is a milestone in Punjab’s journey toward holistic development—empowering villages, strengthening industries, and preserving the state’s glorious cultural legacy.