Punjab Budget 2026–27

• 11 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The Government of Punjab presented the Budget for FY 2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹2,60,437 crore. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, focuses on women empowerment, social welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. 

Key Points:  

• Overall Budget & Economic Projections:  
  • Total Budget Outlay: ₹2,60,437 crore for FY 2026–27. 
  • Projected GSDP: ₹9,80,635 crore with an estimated growth rate of around 10%. 
  • Revenue Receipts: ₹1,26,190 crore. 
  • Revenue Deficit: Targeted at 2.06% of GSDP. 
  • Fiscal Deficit: Estimated at 4.08% of GSDP, remaining within FRBM limits. 
• Flagship Women Empowerment Scheme:   
  • Launch of Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana. 
  • Provides monthly financial assistance to adult women (18+ years). 
  • Benefit Amount: 
    • ₹1,000 per month to eligible women. 
    • ₹1,500 per month for women belonging to Scheduled Caste communities. 
  • Amount will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT. 
  • Exclusions: Current or former government employees, MPs/MLAs, and income tax payers. 
  • The scheme is expected to cover around 97% of women in the state. 
• Social Welfare & Women Empowerment: 
  • Total Allocation: ₹18,304 crore (about 96% increase over the previous year). 
  • ₹9,300 crore – Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana. 
  • ₹600 crore – Free bus travel scheme for women. 
  • ₹6,150 crore – Social security pensions for elderly, widows, and other beneficiaries. 
  • ₹932 crore – Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). 
  • ₹65 crore – Free sanitary pads under Navi Disha Scheme. 
• Education Sector:  
  • Total Allocation: ₹19,279 crore (7% increase over previous year). 
  • Major initiatives include: 
  • School infrastructure transformation and modernization. 
    • Collaboration with international institutions such as the World Bank for education reforms. 
    • Launch of Sikhiya Kranti 2.0 programme to improve school infrastructure and education quality. 
    • Large investments in school upgrades and quality improvement programmes. 
•  Agriculture & Allied Sectors: 
  • Total Allocation: ₹15,377 crore. 
  • Key provisions: 
    • ₹7,715 crore – Agricultural power subsidy for farmers. 
    • ₹600 crore – Crop residue management to address stubble burning. 
    • ₹40 crore – Promotion of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) to conserve groundwater. 
    • ₹1,300 crore for climate-resilient horticulture crops. 
    • ₹270 crore for sugarcane payment support. 
    • Additional measures for farmer welfare, crop diversification, and sustainable agriculture. 
• Health Sector & Public Welfare: 
  • ₹6,879 crore allocated for the health sector. 
    • ₹2,000 crore for Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, providing ₹10 lakh annual health insurance per family. 
    • ₹351 crore for expanding Aam Aadmi Clinics. 
    • ₹750 crore for National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). 
    • ₹175 crore for cancer and drug-de-addiction infrastructure. 
    • ₹1,220 crore for medical education and research. 
  • Budget priorities include: 
    • Improving medical infrastructure. 
    • Expanding public healthcare services. 
    • Strengthening drug de-addiction and anti-drug initiatives. 
• Transport & Public Infrastructure: 
  • Expansion of Public Transport:  
    • 1,279 new buses will be added to the state fleet. 
    • Currently around 2,267 buses are operational. 
    • Deployment of new buses will be completed in phases by November 2026. 
• Road & Bridge Infrastructure:  
  • ₹5,440 crore allocated for urban and rural road development. 
  • Plans include: 
    • Upgradation of 2,570 km of roads 
    • Construction of 31 new bridges. 
• Food Security & Welfare:  
  • Meri Rasoi Scheme:  
  • Budget Allocation: ₹900 crore. 
    Provides free ration kits every three months to about 40 lakh families covered under NFSA and Smart Ration Card schemes. 
• Industrial Policy Initiatives: 
  • Launch of Industrial Policy 2026 to attract new investments. 
  • Provision of fiscal incentives worth about ₹500 crore to industries. 
  • Introduction of the Fast Track Punjab Portal for faster clearances and improved ease of doing business. 
• Cultural & Heritage Initiatives:  
  • 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib. 
  • 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Ji at the state level. 
• Significance: The budget emphasises women empowerment, agricultural sustainability, improved healthcare, and education reforms. Major welfare schemes combined with sectoral investments aim to promote inclusive development and strengthen rural livelihoods in Punjab.