Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema presented the state’s budget for the financial year 2025-26 today, focusing on tackling the drug menace, diversification of crops, managing stubble and enhancing health infrastructure. This marks the fourth budget presented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Totaling Rs over 2.36 lakh crore, he described it as a ‘Badalda Punjab’s futuristic budget, ’ setting a roadmap for 2025-26. Although no fresh taxes were imposed in the budget, it was also silent on giving monthly Rs. 1,000 to women, which was one of the poll promises of the AAP before coming to power in Punjab.

During his Budget speech in the Punjab Assembly, Cheema talked about the State government’s anti-drug campaign to check the drug menace and said the government is going to carry out the first-ever drug census. He said Rs. 14,524 crore has been kept for farming and its allied sectors, whereas Rs. 115 crore has been kept to promote crop diversification. He announced that the power subsidy to the farmers and 300 free power units to the general public will continue.

Besides many other budgetary provisions, special budget allocation has been made for the preparations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary, and special focus will be given to the development of Sri Anandpur Sahib.