Punjab Finance Minister Presents ₹2.36 Lakh Crore Budget, Prioritises Battle Against Drugs
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday unveiled a ₹2.36 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2025-26, with a strong focus on addressing the state’s drug problem. In a key move, the government has earmarked ₹5,598 crore for the health sector.
Notably, the Budget does not impose any new taxes. However, it remained silent on the Aam Aadmi Party’s pre-election promise of providing ₹1,000 per month to women.
This marks the fourth Budget of the AAP-led government in Punjab, and it underscores the administration’s commitment to combating drug abuse under the 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign.
During his speech in the Punjab Assembly, Cheema announced that the state will conduct its first-ever "drug census." This comprehensive household-level survey aims to gather data on drug usage, the effectiveness of de-addiction centres, and the socio-economic background of the residents. The information collected will be instrumental in developing a data-driven and scientifically informed strategy to eliminate the drug menace.
Cheema also spoke about the government’s drive for fiscal discipline. He projected the revenue deficit to be 2.51% and the fiscal deficit to be 3.84% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) by the end of 2025-26.
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