Punjab Budget 2026: CM Mann Says Opposition Avoided Budget Debate Over ₹1,000 Women Scheme

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday accused opposition parties of abandoning the Budget debate because they could not justify their opposition to giving ₹1,000 to women. Addressing the media, CM Mann said the parties that kept generations in poverty are now uncomfortable with the empowerment of ordinary families under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Describing the fifth annual budget of the Punjab Government as the “Budget of the martyrs’ dreams,” CM Mann said it seeks to fulfill the aspirations of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Udham Singh. He added that the government has delivered all its election promises within four years and is already preparing its agenda for the 2027 Assembly elections.

“For the first time in Punjab’s history, a government has fulfilled all its election guarantees within four years. Traditional parties’ manifestos were merely formalities. With the people’s support, we will continue serving them with the same spirit in 2027. For the first time, a government treated its budget as a sacred document and fulfilled every promise made to the people,” CM Mann said.

Congratulating Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting a people-friendly budget, the Chief Minister highlighted key initiatives aimed at supporting those constrained by financial hardships. These include benefits under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojna for 97% of women, free rations for 40 lakh families under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, and cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh.

CM Mann emphasised the government’s focus on education, healthcare, and employment, noting that seven new medical colleges are being set up in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Lehragaga, Malerkotla, and Ludhiana, adding 600 MBBS seats. He pointed out that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have recorded five crore OPD visits, reflecting public trust in government healthcare.

Criticising the opposition, CM Mann said wealthy leaders deliberately insult the poor. “Traditional parties never worked for the welfare of the poor, leaving many families struggling for basic meals. They are uncomfortable with the economic empowerment of ordinary people,” he stated.

CM Mann further noted the government’s focus on providing world-class education to underprivileged children, citing the success of Schools of Eminence, where students from disadvantaged backgrounds are now clearing exams like JEE, JEE Mains, and NEET. The Meri Rasoi scheme provides essential food kits to families, ensuring nutritious meals for 40 lakh families, especially children.

On employment, CM Mann announced the creation of 10,000 new posts in the Punjab Police and said 64,000 government jobs have already been provided to youth. He added that the Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Hoshiarpur is ready for admissions this year, preparing youth for armed forces service.

Highlighting water management efforts, CM Mann said groundwater levels have improved in 57% of observation wells across Punjab, while canal water is being ensured to reach tail-end areas. He also announced the establishment of a Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World-Class University at Sri Anandpur Sahib and allocated ₹100 crore for the 650th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj.

Taking aim at opposition parties, CM Mann said: “They opposed free electricity, yet we fulfilled it. They doubted my tenure as Chief Minister, yet I have served for four years and will continue even after 2027.”

On Punjab’s inter-state issues, CM Mann remarked: “Himachal Pradesh calls Punjab its elder brother but demands a share in Chandigarh and royalty on water, while Haryana keeps pressing for the SYL canal. Because of our firm stand, Haryana has not allocated funds for SYL construction in its budget.”

CM Mann accused Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress of mismanaging Punjab for decades, leaving youth vulnerable to drugs and gangsterism, and claimed their political relevance is waning, predicting their disappearance from the state’s political landscape by 2027.

“The Punjab Government is fully committed to the prosperity of the state and its people. No stone will be left unturned in safeguarding public interests and ensuring welfare,” CM Mann asserted.