Punjab's Paradigm Shift: The Vibrant Budget of 2025-26

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lauds the 2025-26 state budget as a shift towards a 'Rangla (vibrant) Punjab', featuring a Rs 10 lakh health insurance cover and holistic development schemes. The Rs 2.36 lakh crore budget, aimed at economic growth, marks the third tax-free proposal under Mann's government.

In a significant move towards shaping a vibrant future, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday commended the 2025-26 state budget, which he described as a transformational shift to a 'Rangla (vibrant) Punjab'.

The state budget, unveiled by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, includes a Rs 10 lakh health insurance cover for all families, measures to combat the drug menace, and the 'Rangla Punjab Vikas' scheme to promote holistic development, aggregating a total of Rs 2.36 lakh crore. Mann highlighted the budget as the largest in the state's history and reiterated its tax-free nature for the third consecutive year.

Acknowledging the state's improved economic standing, Mann noted Punjab's ascension to the 15th rank nationally in terms of per capita income and a robust economic growth rate of 9% this year. Commitment to fiscal stability is evident with an increase in the state's own tax revenue by 14% as of February 2025, signaling a promising trajectory for Punjab's economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)