Chandigarh, March 8: The Punjab government has introduced the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana as the centerpiece of its Rs 2,60,437 crore budget, promising a monthly cash transfer of Rs 1,000 to women. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared during his Sunday budget presentation that this initiative represents the largest cash transfer program in the state’s history.
Agriculture remains a primary focus of the administration, receiving an allocation of Rs 15,377 crore. The government has set aside Rs 7,715 crore specifically for power subsidies in the farming sector. To combat environmental concerns, a Rs 600 crore subsidy was announced to manage crop residue and discourage stubble burning.
“This budget is dedicated to the mothers and daughters of Punjab,” the Finance Minister asserted during the assembly proceedings. He stated that the government remains committed to the strength and welfare of the people as the current administration nears the end of its term.
The budget also outlines a significant expansion of educational and military training facilities. A new institution, the Sant Attar Singh Maharaj Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Boys, is slated for establishment in Sangrur. Meanwhile, training is expected to begin this year at the Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Hoshiarpur.
Infrastructure development in both urban and rural sectors received notable boosts. The Municipal Development Fund saw a fourfold increase to Rs 1,000 crore, while over 11,000 kilometers of rural link roads are currently being upgraded. Despite the ambitious spending, the state faces a rising debt levels estimated at over Rs 4.42 lakh crore, with a revenue deficit projected at approximately Rs 21,955 crore for the upcoming year.
