Chandigarh, Feb 1: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema described the Union Budget 2026 as a major disappointment for Punjab, citing significant cuts in traditional artisan support and border infrastructure.
The Minister stated that the PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, designed to help traditional craftspeople, saw its budget slashed from Rs 5,100 crore to Rs 3,861 crore, contradicting claims of a youth-focused financial plan.
The Finance Minister also mentioned that the health and sanitation sectors have been ignored. He noted that while the Ayushman Bharat budget remains unchanged, the Swacchh Bharat Mission allocation was halved to Rs 2,500 crore. Additionally, the Border Infrastructure and Management Scheme saw a reduction, which he suggested was ill-advised given regional security needs.
“States will have to do it from their own funds for development,” the Finance Minister said regarding the lack of increased allocation for agricultural and market infrastructure. “They have completely forgotten about Punjab and Punjabis.”
In terms of education, the Minister noted an uninspiring growth of less than 10 percent in the sector’s budget. He mentioned that the PM-SHRI scheme remained stagnant at Rs 7,500 crore, failing to meet the expectations of states that had requested more capital creation assistance.
“This Budget is more inclined towards South and North-East India,” he said. “Nothing for Punjab or even North India. Nothing for farmers and agriculture. Nothing for jobs and youth in this union budget.”
Cheema also expressed concern over the 16th Finance Commission’s failure to provide Revenue Deficit Grants, which were previously recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. He mentioned that the restrictive conditions on the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) would hinder Punjab’s ability to manage natural crises effectively.
