CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann officially announced on Monday that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha budget session for the 2026-27 fiscal year will convene from March 6 to March 16. Following a high-level cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister confirmed that the state budget will be presented on Sunday, March 8, a date that coincides with International Women’s Day.
The selection of March 8 has sparked significant anticipation across the state, with many expecting the government to finally implement its long-standing poll promise of a ₹1,000 monthly honorarium for women aged 18 and above. Characterizing the upcoming fiscal roadmap as “pro-people,” the Chief Minister assured citizens that the budget will be free of any fresh taxes or increases in existing tax rates.
Major Cabinet Decision: ‘Meri Rasoi’ Scheme Launched
Alongside the budget announcement, the Cabinet has approved the ‘Meri Rasoi’ (My Kitchen) scheme, a new flagship food security initiative. This project aims to support nearly 40 lakh Blue Card holder families by providing them with comprehensive nutritional kits every three months, starting in April 2026.
These kits, provided in addition to the standard wheat quota, will include:
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2 kg Chana Dal (Pulses)
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2 kg Sugar
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1 kg Iodized Salt
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1 liter Mustard Oil
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200g Turmeric (Haldi)
The government has earmarked approximately ₹1,000 crore for this project to address nutritional gaps among low-income households and children. As this will be the administration’s final full budget before the 2027 assembly elections, it is widely viewed as a critical document aimed at balancing fiscal health with expansive social welfare.
