Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Cheema today presented the Aam Aadmi Party government's fourth budget. Prior to the budget presentation, he met with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, describing the moment as a proud one.
Punjab Budget: The Punjab government has decided to conduct a 'drug census' for the first time to understand the prevalence of drug abuse among youth and its impact in the state. This census will collect data on the effects of drug abuse, the status and utility of drug rehabilitation centers. The government has allocated ₹150 crore for this initiative.
Combating Drug Abuse Through Sports
The Punjab government is emphasizing the engagement of youth in sports to deter them from drug abuse. This includes developing new sports facilities and implementing special programs to nurture sporting talent.
'War Against Drugs' Campaign Tackles Substance Abuse
The government launched the 'War Against Drugs' campaign on March 1st, 2025. In a short time, 2,136 FIRs were registered and 3,816 drug traffickers were arrested. The government claims this campaign will play a significant role in making the state drug-free.
Strict Measures to Curb Cross-Border Drug Smuggling
The government has allocated ₹110 crore to curb cross-border drug smuggling. This includes deploying 5,000 home guards alongside the BSF and installing advanced anti-drone systems.
Strengthening Police and Security Infrastructure
- 758 four-wheelers and 916 two-wheelers will be purchased to strengthen the 'Dial 112' emergency service, reducing response time to 8 minutes.
- ₹53 crore allocated for a new 'Dial 112' headquarters in Mohali.
- ₹125 crore budget for emergency response vehicles.
Significant Changes in Healthcare and Insurance Schemes
- Insurance coverage for 6.5 million families increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- ₹778 crore provision for creating health cards under the 'Mukhya Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana'.
- ₹268 crore budget for Aam Aadmi Clinics.
- ₹10 crore allocated under the 'Farishte Yojana' for free treatment and financial assistance to road accident victims.
Improving Infrastructure and Power Supply
- ₹5 crore allocated to each assembly constituency under the 'Rangla Punjab Vikas Yojana,' with a total budget of ₹585 crore.
- ₹115 crore allocated for installing 2.5 lakh streetlights under the 'Mukhya Mantri Street Light Yojana'.
- ₹7,614 crore budgeted to provide 300 units of free electricity to domestic consumers.
Government Claims: Strengthening the Economic Situation
The Punjab government claims to have taken significant steps towards strengthening the economically weaker Punjab. The state's GSDP has increased by 9%, reaching ₹8.09 lakh crore. The target is to increase it by 10% in the next financial year. A 14% increase in tax revenue has also been recorded.
Government's Priority: Creating a 'Prosperous Punjab'
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that previous governments had pushed Punjab into the quagmire of drug addiction, but his government is working to make it drug-free and prosperous. The 'War Against Drugs' campaign and promotion of sports are efforts to protect youth from drug abuse.
