Punjab Budget 2026 LIVE UPDATES: Women to get monthly aid of Rs 1,000, Dalit women to receive Rs 1,500
Budget Allocation
For FY 2026–27, the government has proposed a budget allocation of ₹1,791 crore for sports development.
This increased allocation reflects the government’s policy commitment to institutionalising sports development, from grassroots participation to national and international level excellence.
The “Khedda Punjab, Badalda Punjab” initiative aims to fight drug abuse by engaging youth in sports, creative and disciplined activities.
The government committed to reviving Punjab’s sports culture by developing sports infrastructure at the village level, including model playgrounds and gyms.
Sports Infrastructure Development
During the current financial year, a strong foundation for sports infrastructure across the state has been laid.
More than 3,000 modern rural sports grounds are being developed at a cost of ₹1,100 crore.
These grounds are expected to be completed by June 2026.
Facilities at these sports grounds will include:
Laser-levelled playgrounds
Jogging tracks
Football and volleyball courts
Children’s play areas
Separate changing rooms for men and women
High-mast lighting
In addition, 1,000 indoor rural gyms are being constructed and are expected to be completed by April 2026.
This is described as the largest investment ever made by any Punjab government in the sports sector.
The initiative has boosted enthusiasm among youth and transformed village playgrounds into active community centres.
Future Expansion Plans
In the next financial year, the government plans to further expand sports infrastructure.
Plans include:
Construction of 6,000 additional rural sports grounds across the state.
Establishment of 5,000 more indoor gyms.
Each completed rural sports ground will provide sports kits to local youth clubs, including equipment for cricket, volleyball and football.
To promote adventure sports, Adventure Sports Camps will also be developed in sub-mountainous areas under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.
Budget Allocation
The government has allocated ₹100 crore for FY 2026–27 to implement the Caste and Drug Census initiative and strengthen the anti-drug campaign.
The “War Against Drugs” campaign has been continued as a long-term movement against drug abuse and trafficking, as promised in the previous budget.
Over the past year, under the NDPS Act,
36,686 cases were registered against 52,331 drug traffickers.
More than 33,000 kg of narcotic substances were seized through intelligence-based operations.
The government has strengthened financial investigation systems to confiscate properties and assets created from illegal drug trafficking money.
Around 12,000 Village Defence Committees with 1.25 lakh members and thousands of “Pind De Pehredar” volunteers have been activated to strengthen community-level monitoring.
In the last two months alone, more than 350 FIRs were registered and 510 individuals were arrested based on inputs from Village Defence Committees.
Anti-Gangster Action
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has played a major role in restoring public confidence.
Since its formation:
2,762 gangsters and criminals have been arrested.
34 criminals were neutralised in encounters.
1,062 criminal modules were busted.
2,203 weapons were recovered.
The government launched “Operation Prahar” to break the nexus between organised crime and drug trafficking by targeting gangster networks, financiers and supply chains.
The operation has significantly weakened the infrastructure supporting drug trade and violent crime.
In FY 2026–27, the government plans to further strengthen the system through:
Better cyber and forensic capabilities
Stronger anti-narcotics task force operations
Digital surveillance systems
Targeting the financial networks of criminal organisations
Caste and Drug Census Initiative
The state has taken steps to conduct a Caste and Drug Census.
Preparatory work has been completed, including:
Development of a specialised software platform
Training of field staff to ensure accuracy, transparency and data integrity.
The survey will begin in April, enabling the government to gather reliable data for targeted welfare policies and anti-drug strategies.
Budget Allocation
The government has proposed ₹287 crore for FY 2026–27 to continue and strengthen these initiatives.
Employment generation and youth empowerment remain key priorities of the Punjab government.
Since 2022, the government has provided 63,943 government jobs to youth across different departments.
During FY 2025–26, more than 1,356 placement camps and job fairs were organised across the state.
Through these camps, over 70,000 candidates received assistance in securing jobs.
Additionally, 261 self-employment camps helped more than 15,000 youth become eligible to receive financial assistance to start their own ventures.
Over 2.95 lakh candidates received career counselling and vocational guidance.
Punjab is emerging as a major centre for defence and strategic skills.
In January 2026, a historic Defence Skill Summit was organised to align training systems with industrial and defence sector requirements.
The summit resulted in important partnerships with leading national industrial units.
Under the Punjab Skill Development Mission, thousands of youth have been trained in the service and manufacturing sectors, and their placement process is ongoing.
Training for Armed Forces
C-PYTE (Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth) centres continue to prepare youth for recruitment in the armed forces.
Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes have achieved excellent success in officer-level selections, with increasing participation of women cadets.
A new Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Bajwara, Hoshiarpur is nearly complete.
The institute will begin training for entrance exams and SSB preparation in FY 2026–27.
It will further expand opportunities for Punjab youth to join defence services.
For FY 2026–27, the government has allocated ₹2,805 crore for the Industry and Commerce sector.
This includes continued subsidised power for industries and ₹500 crore for financial incentives to promote investment and employment generation.
The Punjab government stated that its reform-oriented policies have revived confidence in the state’s economic potential.
Since March 2022, Punjab has received 8,049 investment proposals worth ₹1,45,371 crore, which are expected to generate over 5.21 lakh jobs.
In 2025 alone, investments worth ₹55,000 crore were recorded, the highest ever investment in a single year in Punjab’s history.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the state has doubled between 2022 and 2025, according to Government of India data.
As a result, Punjab’s FDI ranking improved from 15th to 11th position nationally.
Industrial Incentives
Since March 2022, around 1,198 industrial units have been granted financial incentives worth ₹14,734 crore.
The government has also spent ₹9,275 crore on subsidised electricity for industries to maintain industrial competitiveness.
One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme
The government launched One Time Settlement (OTS) schemes to resolve long-pending industrial dues and support revival of industrial units.
Around 3,100 industrial units are expected to benefit from the scheme.
A separate OTS policy has also been introduced to settle pending dues related to industrial plot costs and enhanced land prices.
Industrial Policy 2026
The government has approved a new Industrial Policy 2026 to strengthen ease of doing business and promote investment-led growth.
The policy aims to:
Expand incentives for priority sectors
Attract new investments
Promote job-oriented industrial growth
Address operational challenges faced by businesses
The policy was prepared through a comprehensive consultative process under the “Punjab Industrial Revolution Initiative”, involving 24 sectoral committees and consultations with industry stakeholders.
Ease of Doing Business Reforms
Several reforms have been introduced to increase transparency and investor confidence.
The Fast Track Punjab Portal provides time-bound single-window clearances through a deemed approval system.
Amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act allow entrepreneurs to start businesses through self-certification based on in-principle approvals.
Additional reforms include:
Industrial land management improvements
Flexible land-use policies
One-time settlement provisions
Dispute resolution mechanisms
Cluster development initiatives
Logistics improvements
Digital platforms for services
Special support is being provided to MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to ensure inclusive, employment-driven and regionally balanced industrial growth.
Total Budget for Housing and Urban Development
For FY 2026–27, the government has proposed ₹7,257 crore for the Housing and Urban Development sector.
The government emphasised that infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth, family welfare and Punjab’s secure future.
The budget presents a vision to develop cities as centres of opportunity, competitiveness, innovation and social equality.
Municipal Development Fund (MDF)
Financial assistance to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has been significantly increased.
Allocation under the Municipal Development Fund has been increased four times, from ₹225 crore in FY 2025–26 to ₹1,000 crore in FY 2026–27.
The fund will support essential urban infrastructure, including:
Roads
Street lights
Water supply
Sewerage
Drainage
Solid waste management
Sanitation
Public amenities
Public safety systems
Environmentally sustainable infrastructure
Up to 20% of the fund can be used for operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage projects, ensuring continuous services.
Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project
With support from the World Bank and AIIB, the government is implementing the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project.
The project focuses on canal water supply systems to address water scarcity in Ludhiana and Amritsar.
It includes construction of:
Large-capacity water treatment plants
Water storage tanks
Pipeline networks
The project is expected to be completed by 2028.
₹500 crore has been proposed for FY 2026–27 to continue this programme.
AMRUT 2.0 Projects
Projects under AMRUT 2.0 are being implemented in two phases.
Key components include:
New water treatment plants
Strengthening water supply networks
New household water connections
Sewerage works
Reuse of treated water
Development of parks and green spaces
Restoration of water bodies
214 projects have been approved with an estimated cost of ₹3,504 crore.
For FY 2026–27, ₹665 crore expenditure has been proposed across 149 Urban Local Bodies.
GIS-based Urban Mapping
The state has made major progress in GIS-based urban mapping.
Digital maps of wards and municipal boundaries have been prepared in 163 Urban Local Bodies.
The “One Map Punjab” GIS portal has been launched for centralised data integration and real-time monitoring.
₹15,377 crore allocated for agriculture and allied sectors in the Punjab Budget 2026–27.
Punjab contributes about 40% of wheat and 31% of rice to the national food pool despite having around 3% of India’s agricultural land.
BT Cotton Seed Subsidy:
33% subsidy provided on certified BT cotton hybrid seeds through Punjab Agricultural University.
52,000 farmers benefited with ₹11 crore assistance.
Cotton cultivation area increased by 19%.
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Scheme:
Farmers receive ₹1,500 per acre incentive for adopting DSR.
₹35 crore distributed in 2025–26.
₹40 crore proposed for 2026–27.
Crop Diversification Pilot Project:
Encouraging farmers to shift from paddy to kharif maize.
Implemented in six districts: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Sangrur, Jalandhar and Kapurthala.
₹17,500 per hectare incentive for farmers.
₹15 crore allocated for FY 2026–27.
Stubble Management Subsidy:
80% subsidy for panchayats and 50% subsidy for individual farmers on crop residue management machinery.
₹402 crore spent in 2025–26.
₹600 crore proposed for 2026–27.
Free Electricity for Farmers:
₹7,715 crore allocated for power subsidy to the agriculture sector.
Horticulture Development
₹1,300 crore horticulture project with support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the next 10 years.
Aim to increase horticulture area from 4.59 lakh hectares to 17.34 lakh hectares by 2035.
Focus on fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal crops, nurseries, cold storage, processing and marketing infrastructure.
Promotion of high-value crops such as dragon fruit.
Dairy and Fisheries
2,000 new dairy units established.
6,500 youth trained under dairy entrepreneurship programmes.
₹100 crore allocated to support milk procurement and pricing.
Fisheries sector expansion with quality fish seed production exceeding 1,500 lakh.
Around 3,000 acres brought under fish farming.
Promotion of shrimp farming, bio-floc units and aquaculture training.
Sugarcane Sector
State Agreed Price (SAP) increased to ₹416 per quintal, among the highest in India.
₹270 crore allocated to ensure timely payment of sugarcane farmers’ dues.
Environment and Forestry
“Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Hariyaval Sankalp” campaign launched.
1.11 crore saplings planted across Punjab.
Plan to plant trees on 4,150 hectares under the PUNCAMPA scheme in FY 2026–27.
₹760 crore forestry project with JICA to expand tree cover and improve climate resilience.
Total Health Sector Budget: The government has proposed Rs 6,879 crore for the health sector in FY 2026–27.
Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme:
The Punjab government has introduced the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, providing universal health insurance coverage to residents of the state.
Cashless Treatment for Families:
Under the scheme, every family in Punjab is entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year in over 900 government and empanelled private hospitals.
Budget Allocation for Health Insurance:
For FY 2026–27, the government has proposed ₹2,000 crore for the scheme, which is expected to benefit around 65 lakh families and significantly reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.
Expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics:
To strengthen primary healthcare, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are currently operational across Punjab:
565 in rural areas
316 in urban areas
Free Medicines and Tests:
These clinics provide 107 types of essential medicines and 47 diagnostic tests free of cost.
Public Utilisation:
So far, over 5 crore patient visits have been recorded at these clinics, including 1.55 crore patients suffering from serious illnesses. Notably, 55% of beneficiaries are women.
Further Expansion of Clinics:
100 additional clinics are being opened this year.
143 more clinics will be established in FY 2026–27.
308 sub-health centres will be upgraded into Aam Aadmi Clinics.
The government aims to set up 1,432 clinics within five years.
Budget for Primary Healthcare Network:
A total of ₹351 crore has been proposed to strengthen the community-based primary healthcare network.
Strengthening Public Hospitals:
Major improvements have been carried out in 23 district hospitals and 42 sub-divisional hospitals, focusing on sanitation, patient comfort, and service efficiency.
Mother and Child Health Facilities:
Dedicated Mother and Child Health Wings are being established in government hospitals to improve maternal and infant healthcare services.
Medical Equipment Upgrade:
The government is investing ₹300 crore to procure advanced medical equipment and machinery for diagnostic, emergency, and critical care services in government hospitals.
New Trauma Centre in Sri Anandpur Sahib:
A proposal has been made to establish a modern trauma centre along with a specialised mother-and-child care hospital in Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Large Recruitment Drive in Healthcare:
The government has launched the largest recruitment drive in the public health sector:
934 doctors recruited since 2022
Around 400 specialist doctors being recruited
400 nursing staff already recruited
500 more nursing posts under recruitment
24×7 Emergency Services:
An on-call incentive scheme has been approved to ensure round-the-clock emergency services in secondary hospitals.
Improvement in School Infrastructure:
Around 20,000 government schools have seen significant infrastructure improvements.
99% schools now have boundary walls.
10,095 toilets have been constructed.
More than one lakh new desks have been provided to ensure no child sits on the floor.
8,286 sanitation workers and over 3,000 security staff are deployed in schools.
6,200 classrooms constructed and 4,700 renovated.
₹690 crore allocated this year to further strengthen school infrastructure.
Schools of Eminence Initiative:
A total of 118 Schools of Eminence are transforming public education with improved infrastructure, technology and facilities supported by ₹193 crore funding.
Improved Competitive Exam Results:
In 2025, 267 students from government schools cleared JEE Mains and 847 students qualified NEET, representing nearly a fivefold increase since 2022.
Career Guidance for Students:
A statewide Career Counselling Framework has been implemented for around 7.35 lakh students from Class 9 to 12, along with the launch of a career support portal.
Digital Transformation in Schools:
₹395 crore invested in digital infrastructure.
38,649 desktop computers distributed in government schools.
Computer labs ensured in all secondary and senior secondary schools.
8,268 interactive flat panels installed in 3,694 schools to enhance digital learning.
Higher Education Development:
Infrastructure upgrades and modernization projects are being carried out in government colleges to improve academic facilities and student support systems.
New University Proposal:
The government has approved, in principle, the establishment of a world-class university in Sri Anandpur Sahib in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Technical Education and Skill Development:
Seats in government ITIs increased from 35,000 to 52,000.
ITI centres launched in 11 prisons to provide vocational skills to inmates.
New labs are being set up in collaboration with institutions such as IIT Ropar to teach emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems.
₹569 crore proposed for technical education initiatives in FY 2026–27.
Support to State Universities:
The government will continue strengthening state universities including Punjab University, Punjabi University, Guru Nanak Dev University, PAU and GADVASU through financial support.
Grant-in-Aid Allocation:
A total of ₹1,760 crore has been proposed for grant-in-aid to universities and constituent colleges in FY 2026–27 to promote academic excellence, research and infrastructure expansion.
Focus on Infrastructure and Quality Education:
Over the past four years, the government has focused on upgrading educational infrastructure, strengthening foundational learning, and establishing “Schools of Excellence” across the state.
Punjab Leads in National Learning Outcomes:
Punjab has secured the top position in learning outcomes in the national survey 2024, surpassing several leading states including Kerala, highlighting improvements in government school performance.
Launch of ‘Education Revolution 2.0’:
The government plans to launch ‘Sikhya Kranti 2.0’, with an investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years to further transform the school education system.
Collaboration with the World Bank:
Punjab has initiated a historic collaboration with the World Bank to strengthen the school education ecosystem, focusing on literacy, numeracy, science education, career guidance and administrative reforms.
Major Budget Allocation:
The Punjab government has proposed a budget allocation of ₹19,279 crore for the education sector in FY 2026–27, representing a 7% increase compared to FY 2025–26. The aim is to move from promises to structural reforms in education.
Harpal Singh Cheema said the Budget is dedicated to the women of Punjab. It introduces the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojana, under which every woman will receive ₹1,000 per month, while Dalit women will get ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance. Nearly 97% of women are expected to benefit under the current eligibility rules. The government has set aside ₹9,300 crore for this scheme.
In addition, the free bus travel service for women will continue with an allocation of ₹600 crore. A total of ₹932 crore has been earmarked for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Under the Navi Disha Scheme, free sanitary pads will be provided to adolescent girls, for which ₹65 crore has been allocated for 2026–27.
Overall, the government has proposed a total budget of ₹18,304 crore for women’s empowerment and social welfare. This is the highest allocation in the history of Punjab and represents a 96% increase compared to last year.
Monthly aid for woman caped at Rs 1,000
Women under SC category to get Rs 1500
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that he is presenting the budget at a time when the government’s work is visible, not just announcements. He added that the way people worked during the floods was commendable and deserves appreciation.
Punjab govt's Budget so far
2022-23 1,96,462 crore
2023-24 2,02,918 crore
2024-25 2,15,500 crore
2025-26 2,36,080 crore
ਤਿਆਰ ਰਹੋ, ਜਲਦ ਖੁਸ਼ਖਬਰੀ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 8, 2026
Stay tuned, good news on the way.???? pic.twitter.com/3wlzNuJUMX
Hours before presentation of the budget, the Punjab Assembly received a bomb threat email on Sunday morning. Following the threatening email, several teams of police officials and bomb disposal squad rushed to the spot and began thorough search of the premises.
PTC News Desk: The state’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is preparing to attract two important groups of voters — women and Dalits — as it presents its last Budget on Sunday.
In this Budget, the government is expected to finally fulfil its long-pending promise of giving ₹1,000 per month to all women. To further gain support from Dalits, the government is also considering giving extra financial assistance to Dalit women.
The scheme may be funded using ₹4,500 crore saved from the power subsidy after the recent cut in electricity tariffs. In addition, around ₹3,000 crore earned from the sale of properties by urban development authorities, especially in Mohali, may also be used for this purpose.
AAP’s political planners believe that these steps will help the party secure support from a large number of voters. Dalits make up nearly 33% of the electorate, so offering additional benefits to Dalit women before the next Assembly elections could help the ruling party gain more Dalit votes.
In the 2022 elections, AAP had already received a large share of Dalit votes after many Dalit voters moved away from their traditional support for the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
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