Budget 2025-26: A paradigm shift to Rangla Punjab from regressive one, says CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday hailed the 2025-26 budget, calling it a significant step towards transforming Punjab into "Rangla Punjab" from the regressive policies of previous governments.

He highlighted that the ₹2,36,080 crore budget is the largest in Punjab’s history and marks the third consecutive tax-free budget under his government. While acknowledging the negative financial legacy inherited from past administrations, he reaffirmed his commitment to building a progressive and prosperous Punjab. "Funds have been earmarked for every sector, including health, education, jobs, and industry, to drive the state’s overall development," he said.

Mann emphasized that his government’s third tax-free budget is designed to accelerate Punjab’s progress. "This budget aims to transform the destiny of the common man by ensuring peace, prosperity, and economic growth," he stated. He described it as a blueprint for restoring Punjab’s glory and fostering comprehensive development across all sectors.

The Chief Minister also pointed out Punjab’s improving financial indicators. "Thanks to our efforts, Punjab now ranks 15th in the list of states by per capita income. The state's economy is on a strong growth trajectory, with a remarkable 9% growth this year," he said. He further noted that Punjab’s Own Tax Revenue has grown by 14% in 2025, reaching ₹57,919 crore—an increase of ₹20,500 crore since 2021-22.

Addressing the fight against drugs, Mann announced that the state has launched "Yudh Nashe De Virudh" from March 1, 2025, to eradicate the drug menace. "A budget of ₹400 crore has been allocated to equip the police department in this war against drugs," he said. He also introduced the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme’ with a budgetary provision of ₹585 crore to boost development in all constituencies.

In a major push for water conservation, the Chief Minister announced a ₹8,227 crore project to expand canal irrigation in previously excluded areas. "To ensure last-mile connectivity and better irrigation, 63,000 hectares will be covered with underground pipelines at an estimated cost of ₹315 crore," he stated.

Mann also unveiled the "Mukh Mantri Street Light Yojna," under which 2.5 lakh streetlights will be installed across Punjab. To promote industrial growth, financial incentives for industries have been raised to ₹250 crore—the highest in Punjab’s history. Additionally, ₹80 crore has been allocated for constructing a Unity Mall to showcase Punjab’s industrial and cultural diversity.

The budget allocates ₹3,426 crore for the industrial sector, including subsidized electricity, to boost Punjab’s economic growth. "To enhance employment opportunities, we have allocated ₹230 crore for skill training and career counseling, a 50% increase from last year," Mann said. The ‘Mukhya Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana’ will now provide cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for 65 lakh families in both government and private hospitals.

Education, health, and employment remain top priorities for the government. "We have allocated ₹18,047 crore—11% of the total budget—towards education," Mann said. Recognizing sports as a tool against drug addiction, the government has set aside a record ₹979 crore for sports, the highest in Punjab’s history. Additionally, he assured modernization of the police force to maintain law and order.

Mann emphasized that the budget prioritizes welfare schemes for SCs, BCs, minorities, and other marginalized communities. "We are focusing on road repair, rural and urban development, canal system upgrades, and improvements in public transport," he said. He expressed confidence that the budget would position Punjab as a leading state in India, ushering in a new era of growth and prosperity for every Punjabi.