The budget presented by the Finance Minister in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha includes key recommendations of Punjab Vision 2047: A Blueprint for Punjab’s Progress. The blueprint was submitted to the Punjab government by Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahni, Rajya Sabha member from Punjab.
Dr. Sahni highlighted the government’s focus on crop diversification, water conservation and stubble burning. The key allocations include ₹115 crore to encourage farmers to switch from paddy to kharif maize, promote ethanol production and reduce groundwater stress. ₹500 crore has been earmarked for crop residue management through machinery subsidies and awareness programmes. In addition, ₹100 crore will fund underground pipeline networks in Sangrur to expand canal irrigation in the Malwa region and address water scarcity. Dr. Sahni said that the allocation for industrial and economic revival is in line with the recommendations for industrial modernisation and skill development. The budget includes a record ₹250 crore for industrial incentives to boost sectors like textiles, cycles and agro-processing – the highest in Punjab’s history. ₹120 crore under the RAMP scheme will support MSMEs by promoting innovation and market access, while ₹230 crore has been allocated for skill training – 50% more than last year – as recommended in the Punjab Vision 2047 report. Dr. Sahni said that the budget has incorporated his proposals for transparent governance and strong infrastructure. The major allocations include ₹585 crore for the Rangla Punjab Vikas Yojana, which empowers districts to meet local needs, reflecting his emphasis on decentralised planning. In addition, ₹140 crore has been earmarked for world-class urban roads in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Mohali, which is in line with his vision for smart cities. Dr. Sahni said that the budget shows remarkable progress in its health and education indicators, boasting historic allocations of ₹17,975 crore for education, ₹5,598 crore for health and ₹150 crore for drug census in Punjab, reflecting our recommendations for human capital development.
Dr. Sahni also said that the inclusion of actionable strategies of Punjab Vision 2047 in the budget is a transformative moment for our state. This collaborative approach will ensure Punjab’s journey towards prosperity, stability and global competitiveness by 2047.
