Punjab budget today: CM Mann promises big giveaways for women

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is set to present its final budget of its term today. State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will present a budget of over ₹2.50 lakh crore in the Assembly. This is expected to be the government's final full budget before the upcoming 2027 assembly elections, so several important announcements are expected.

The most discussed issue is the election promise made for women. It is being reported that the government may fulfill its promise made during the 2022 elections by making provisions in the budget for a scheme to provide ₹1,000 per month to every woman. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also hinted in a social media post on the occasion of International Women's Day that there will be good news for mothers, sisters, and daughters during the budget session.

According to sources, this year's budget will focus on development from rural to urban areas, employment for youth, and incentives for industries. Just before the budget, the government signaled its intentions by reducing electricity rates and releasing a new industrial policy.

Given the election environment, the government may refrain from announcing any new taxes. Instead, the state government will attempt to demonstrate strong fiscal management by relying on increased revenue from excise and GST. According to the government, excise revenue has increased by over 86 percent.

The government has also developed a special plan to make the budget accessible to the public. Large screens will be installed in all 117 assembly constituencies across the state to broadcast the budget live, allowing people to view the government's announcements and plans directly.