AAP government will present its fifth consecutive pro-people budget in March, committed to the welfare of every section: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

Ahmedabad (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today announced that the Punjab government will present its fifth pro-people budget in March, which, as before, will focus on the welfare of every section of society. Speaking to reporters, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the government has consistently taken pro-people and citizen-centric decisions that have transformed the state's trajectory.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The Punjab government will present its fifth budget in March, and we will continue our tradition of presenting a pro-people budget aimed at the welfare of all. Our sole objective is to ensure the well-being of the common man, and we are working hard to achieve this. The upcoming budget will once again provide significant benefits to the people of Punjab."

Taking aim at the central government, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for several consecutive years, the Union Budget presented by the BJP-led NDA government has been directionless and biased toward the wealthy sections of society. He said, "In Gujarat, where there is virtually no opposition party, the hardships of the common man have increased and people are suffering. The Congress and BJP are playing friendly matches there, and the voice of the common man has been suppressed."

The Chief Minister remarked that while the Prime Minister talks about making the country a world leader, the people of his home state are struggling for basic necessities. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "To suppress the voice of the opposition in a democracy, the central government has introduced the Digital Janata Sankalp, where vote data is manipulated and used to win elections in every state. Today, the people of Gujarat see AAP as their savior. Every Gujarati family has hope in AAP."

Raising the issue of states' financial rights, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the central government has undemocratically withheld Punjab's rightful share of the Rural Development Fund, a practice similar to that faced by some non-BJP ruled states. He said, "In a democracy, a government is of the people, for the people, and by the people, but today there is a trend of suppressing the voice of the opposition. Just as a bouquet is praised for its diverse flowers, democracy flourishes when every voice is heard."

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that our government does not discriminate against anyone when distributing development funds. He said, "Wherever AAP has formed government, taxpayers' money has been used wisely for the welfare of the common man. After Delhi, the AAP government in Punjab has ensured the rational use of every rupee for the welfare of the people."

Pointing to significant reforms, he said, "At a time when the central government is handing over national assets to a few influential friends at throwaway prices, Punjab has made history by purchasing a private thermal plant. We have opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide free healthcare, and government hospitals are providing standard medical services to the people."

Regarding healthcare reforms, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has launched the Chief Minister's Health Scheme, a first-of-its-kind scheme that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh to every family in Punjab. He said, "Punjab is the first state in the country to provide such comprehensive healthcare. This has significantly reduced the financial burden on people and ensured quality healthcare. This historic initiative aims to provide quality healthcare to all families in the state."

Regarding the education sector, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government has launched the Punjab Education Revolution to upgrade the infrastructure in all government schools. He said, "We are committed to transforming 118 government senior secondary schools into excellent schools with smart classrooms, modernly equipped labs, and playgrounds. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for specialized training to familiarize themselves with modern education practices and prepare students for global competition." It is a matter of great pride that Punjab has surpassed Kerala to rank first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India."

Regarding infrastructure, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has undertaken the largest road construction drive in its history, constructing 44,920 kilometers of roads at a cost of ₹16,209 crore. He said, "All these roads are being built with a five-year maintenance guarantee, ensuring the highest quality standards and world-class road safety features. This will boost rural infrastructure and provide better mobility across Punjab."