Punjab's AAP Budget: No New Taxes, Women’s Rs 1,000 Promise Unaddressed
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Synopsis
Punjab's AAP government announced a budget of Rs 2.36 lakh crore for 2025-26, introducing no new taxes. However, the government did not address the promised Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for women, raising questions about its commitment to its pre-election promises.
Key Takeaways
- No new taxes introduced in Punjab's budget.
- Rs 1,000 monthly support for women remains unaddressed.
- Projected GSDP growth of 10 percent for 2025-26.
- First-ever drug census to be conducted.
- Home guards to be deployed at the border for enhanced security.
Chandigarh, March 26 (NationPress) The AAP government in Punjab unveiled a budget of Rs 2.36 lakh crore for 2025-26, maintaining the status quo with no new taxes. However, it remains silent on the Rs 1,000 monthly support for women, a promise made prior to the 2022 Assembly elections. State Finance Minister Harpal Cheema announced an expected effective revenue deficit of 2.51 percent and a fiscal deficit of 3.84 percent.
Cheema stated that, according to the advanced estimates from the Directorate of Statistics, Punjab's economy is experiencing a robust growth trend, with a remarkable nine percent growth this year. Consequently, the state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices has reached Rs 809,538 crore.
Looking ahead, the GSDP is predicted to increase by 10 percent in 2025-26, reaching Rs 8,91,301 crore.
The total revenue receipts for 2025-26 are projected to be Rs 111,740 crore, with the own tax revenue contributing Rs 63,250 crore. The share of central taxes is estimated at Rs 25,703 crore, and grant-in-aid from the Centre is pegged at Rs 10,576 crore for the upcoming fiscal year.
With an ambitious Goods and Services Tax (GST) target of Rs 27,650 crore for 2025-26, the Finance Minister also announced the first-ever drug census in Punjab, set to take place next year. This census will survey every household to gather information on drug prevalence, usage of de-addiction centers, and the socio-economic conditions of Punjab’s residents.
“We aim to utilize this data to formulate a scientific approach to tackle the drug issue within the next one to two years,” he mentioned, highlighting a budget allocation of Rs 150 crore for the census.
Minister Cheema pointed out that a significant portion of drugs entering Punjab originates from across the border. He emphasized, “It is the Union government’s primary responsibility to combat cross-border drug and arms smuggling, particularly since the 50-km border area is under the jurisdiction of the BSF. Nonetheless, the problem persists.”
To counter this, Punjab plans to implement two initiatives to enhance border security. For the first time, the state government will establish a second line of defense by deploying 5,000 home guards alongside the BSF, composed of dedicated Punjabi youth.
Additionally, the government will introduce advanced anti-drone systems capable of tracking and neutralizing sophisticated drones used for smuggling drugs and arms. The pilot testing of these technologies has already begun, and full deployment is expected next year, with an allocated budget of Rs 110 crore.
The government has also announced the expansion of its health insurance scheme, aiming for universal coverage for all 65 lakh families in Punjab. This scheme will be inclusive, offering equal access to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Families will receive an annual insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh, with an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh for those already enrolled in the Central government scheme. Furthermore, families under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana will obtain a 'Sehat Card' next year, facilitating cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh in both government and private hospitals throughout Punjab.
