Ahmedabad, February 22, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government will present its fifth people-centric budget in March 2026. He stated that the upcoming budget will continue the government’s tradition of prioritizing the welfare of every section of society and ensuring direct benefits to the common people.
Speaking to the media, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the government has consistently taken citizen-focused decisions that have helped change the direction of the state. He emphasized that the sole objective of the government is to ensure the welfare of the common man and that the upcoming budget will deliver significant relief and development-oriented measures.
Commenting on the policies of the Central Government, the Chief Minister criticized the BJP-led NDA government, alleging that recent Union Budgets have been directionless and inclined toward affluent sections of society. He stressed that in a democracy, the voice of the opposition should not be suppressed and that states must receive their due financial rights.
Raising the issue of financial federalism, the Chief Minister claimed that Punjab’s legitimate share of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) has been withheld. He asserted that democracy flourishes only when every state is treated fairly and receives its rightful allocation.
Highlighting reforms in the health sector, Mann stated that the state has opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics to strengthen primary healthcare services. Under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, every family residing in Punjab is entitled to cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh, significantly reducing the financial burden on households.
In the education sector, the Chief Minister said that under the “Punjab Education Revolution” initiative, 118 government senior secondary schools are being upgraded with smart classrooms, modern laboratories and improved sports infrastructure. Teachers and principals are also being sent abroad for specialized training to enhance educational standards.
On the infrastructure front, Mann stated that roads spanning 44,920 kilometers have been constructed at a cost of ₹16,209 crore. These roads come with a five-year maintenance guarantee to ensure high quality and enhanced safety standards, improving connectivity across the state.
Recognizing the sacrifices of security personnel, the Chief Minister said that the state government provides ₹1 crore to the families of armed forces, paramilitary and Agniveer martyrs, and ₹2 crore to the families of police personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
In another people-friendly decision, the Chief Minister stated that 19 toll plazas have been closed in the state, resulting in daily savings of approximately ₹64 lakh for commuters.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, Mann said that every policy decision of the Punjab Government aims to strengthen democracy, empower citizens and ensure inclusive development. The fifth budget to be presented in March 2026 is expected to further advance the state’s welfare and development agenda.
