Chandigarh, Dec 26 (NationPress) The AAP-led government in Punjab has been providing free electricity of 600 units to every household per billing cycle since 2022, allowing 90 percent of residents to benefit from this initiative. Additionally, the state has allocated Rs 968 crore for compensation due to crop losses from monsoon floods and has cut the delivery cost of government services from Rs 120 to just Rs 50. Moreover, dues for six lakh employees have been cleared, and an insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh is set to be launched for 65 lakh families.

In his year-end summary, Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted a year marked by strong fiscal management, significant infrastructure investments, and groundbreaking digital reforms.

He emphasized that the Finance Department has transformed from a mere “distributor of funds” to a “driver of innovation”, reiterating the government's commitment to safeguarding the state exchequer which directly benefits the common citizen. “Whether it is the Rs 968 crore for crop loss compensation to our farmers affected by this year’s severe floods or the loan waiver for 4,650 beneficiaries under the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC), we are dedicated to creating a safety net for every Punjabi,” he stated.

“We have also significantly reduced the cost of doorstep delivery of government services from Rs 120 to just Rs 50, with the government absorbing the remaining cost to alleviate citizens' burdens,” he elaborated.

Discussing the provision of free electricity, Finance Minister Cheema noted that since July 2022, the government has been providing 600 units of power to domestic consumers for every two-month billing cycle, benefiting over 90 percent of households. He confirmed that all payments related to power subsidies, including pending dues, have been cleared up to September 2025.

He mentioned the implementation of the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission on July 1, 2021, and highlighted the government’s commitment to clearing the outstanding dues of Rs 14,191 crore that were left unpaid by the previous administration. The government has begun releasing arrears in accordance with a structured liquidation plan for 2025-26, which will benefit six lakh employees and pensioners, Cheema noted.

To promote grassroots development, the Finance Minister announced the release of Rs 292 crore under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, ensuring that each constituency receives Rs 2.5 crore to meet local needs.

He remarked that this year witnessed a substantial increase in connectivity and sports infrastructure. “A comprehensive project to build 2,832 km of Plan Roads and 7,767 km of Link Roads is currently in progress at an estimated cost of Rs 5,338 crore. The Mandi Board is constructing 12,361 km of new rural link roads with an investment of Rs 4,275 crore, and Rs 500 crore has been allocated for developing top-notch playgrounds to encourage a culture of fitness and sports,” he said.

Highlighting the government's focus on education and health, the Finance Minister revealed that the state has successfully finalized negotiations for the World Bank-supported POISE programme (Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration In School Education Operation).

With a total outlay of Rs 2,520 crore (70:30 cost-sharing with the state), this five-year initiative intends to transform learning outcomes and governance in school education. Additionally, the state will soon offer Rs 10 lakh insurance coverage to approximately 65 lakh families under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, with an estimated outlay of Rs 600 crore for this fiscal year.

The Finance Minister stated that his department has undergone a digital transformation via the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), implementing various best practices that enhance transparency and efficiency.

Punjab has emerged as a leader in adopting the SNA-SPARSH fund flow mechanism and earned an incentive of Rs 450 crore in 2024-25, with ambitions for an additional Rs 350 crore this fiscal year through optimized cash liquidity and reduced unutilized funds.

“A dedicated Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP) now enables pensioners to track their cases, submit life certificates, and file grievances online, ensuring enhanced living standards for senior citizens.

Shifting away from slow manual processes, the new audit management system portal facilitates real-time tracking of audit memos and reports, ensuring high-level accountability. “By transitioning to electronic vouchers for all bills across Punjab, the government has considerably decreased stationary and logistical costs while streamlining the accounting process with the Accountant General (AG),” he added, pointing out that for the first time, the Punjab Treasury Rules (PTR) have been completely revamped to integrate modern FinTech and IT applications, with new rules set to be published shortly.

In conclusion, the Finance Minister stated that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, the state has successfully harmonized grassroots development with advanced financial technology.