Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr Aman Arora today described the state budget 2026-27 as a historic and transformative document that marks the fulfilment of the party’s fifth and only remaining major guarantee to the people of Punjab. He termed the occasion a “golden chapter” in the state’s history, dedicated to the empowerment of women.
Addressing the media at Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Aman Arora extended heartfelt congratulations to all mothers, daughters and sisters on the momentous occasion. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government, inspired by the vision of AAP national Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, has today delivered on the promise of a direct cash transfer to every woman in Punjab.
Divulging details about the flagship scheme, Mr. Aman Arora stated that women from general category families will receive Rs1,000 per month, while those from SC categories will receive Rs1,500 per month. “This is not just a scheme, but the largest initiative of its kind anywhere in the world, providing direct financial assistance to the women of our state,” he asserted.
The AAP led government has delivered on its major promises, including Sikhya Kranti, free electricity, healthcare revolution, ₹1 crore ex-gratia for martyred soldiers’ families, record govt jobs for youth, and now, women’s empowerment through monthly stipends – a key guarantee finally met in this budget, he added.
“Despite inheriting a debt-ridden treasury, the state government, under the financial stewardship of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has not only managed the state’s finances prudently but has also delivered on its promises. This budget reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility without imposing a single new tax on the people,” Mr. Aman Arora stated.
Mr Aman Arora further highlighted the budget’s focus on key sectors, calling it the largest allocation for health and education in the state’s history. He also pointed to the plan to build 6,000 new sports stadiums as a testament to the government’s holistic development approach.
Touching upon food security initiatives, Mr. Arora informed the expansion of the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, with registrations opening to include new families. These families will now receive essential commodities like wheat flour, pulses and sugar to combat the burden of inflation.
Taking a dig at the opposition for their lack of substantive response during the budget presentation, Mr. Arora remarked, “For over two and a half hours, the opposition sat silently with nothing to say. Previously, they would leap to their feet every half minute to create a ruckus. The clear intent of this historic budget has silenced their noise.”
Mr. Arora drew a sharp contrast between the AAP government’s policies and those of neighbouring states. “While Haryana talks of giving only 20% of its women a conditional benefit, Punjab is extending this benefit to 97% of its women without any income ceiling under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana. This is the world’s largest direct transfer scheme for women.,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also thanked Punjab Government for announcing the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sant Atar Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in village Cheema of Sunam constituency. This premier institute will be established at the birthplace of the Sant Atar Singh Ji Maharaj, The complex will also include a Degree College, creating a unique ecosystem that blends higher education with the spirit of service to the nation.
