Chandigarh:The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented its 4th Budget today named 'Badlda Punjab Budget 2025-26'. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema termed it as a visionary blueprint aimed at transforming Punjab into a vibrant, prosperous, and equitable state.
Addressing the media after his Budget speech, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched a scathing attack on the previous governments for their failures and mismanagement, which plunged Punjab into financial and social turmoil. "The Akali Dal and Congress regimes systematically destroyed Punjab's economy and society with corruption, drugs, poor policies, and lack of vision. They left us a state riddled with drugs, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure. In just three years, we have reversed this decline and set Punjab on a path of progress," said Cheema.
Cheema said that the previous Congress and BJP-Akali governments pushed Punjab into the grip of drugs, allowing this menace to flourish and devastating the youth of the state. In stark contrast, the AAP government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashe De Virudh’ campaign to eliminate drug abuse. Since March 1, 2,136 FIRs have been registered, and 3,816 drug smugglers have been arrested. To tackle cross-border smuggling, ₹110 crore has been allocated for advanced anti-drone systems and deploying 5,000 Home Guards with the BSF. Additionally, ₹150 crore is dedicated to Punjab’s first "Drug Census," and ₹125 crore will strengthen emergency response with faster Dial 112 services.
Cheema cornered previous Congress and BJP-Akali governments for neglecting sports in Punjab, promoting drugs and gangsterism instead of nurturing talent. The AAP government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, is committed to restoring Punjab’s sporting glory. A historic ₹979 crore budget for sports has been allocated for 2025-26, the highest ever. Local infrastructure is being strengthened with playgrounds in every village and 3,000 indoor gyms. Thirteen Centers of Excellence are being modernized for national and international training, while ₹100 crore in rewards and government jobs have been provided to athletes in three years.
Cheema added, under the Congress and BJP-Akali governments, Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure was in shambles, with poorly maintained hospitals and a severe shortage of doctors, creating a “Bimar Punjab.” In stark contrast, the AAP government under CM Bhagwant Mann is building a “Sehatmand Punjab.” A historic decision to bring 65 lakh families under health insurance has been made, increasing coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per family through the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana,’ with ₹778 crore allocated. Additionally, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established in three years, serving 70,000+ patients daily and benefiting over 3 crore people, supported by a ₹268 crore budget.
Under the AAP government's ‘Rangla Punjab’ vision, the historic 2022 mandate is translating into action. The ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme,’ with ₹585 crore allocated (₹5 crore per constituency), will address local development needs. Funds will enhance infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and sanitation, ensuring direct benefits for citizens.
Punjabis still remember the long power cuts and sleepless nights farmers faced under Congress, BJP, and Akali regimes, which neglected power infrastructure and left Punjab in darkness. In just three years, the Mann government transformed “Batti Gul Punjab” into "Batti Full Punjab". With 90% of families benefiting from 300 units of free electricity, ₹7,614 crore allocated for FY 2025-26.
Cheema said, previously, Punjab was ruled by “Pariwarwad”, where one family demanded cuts in every business, from large industries to small dhabas, driving away major investors. And in the Congress Government, Jobs were given to family members and relatives of Congress leaders only. But, the AAP government is building “Sarbat Da Bhala” Punjab, attracting ₹96,836 crore in investments in three years. He said that the AAP government provided 50,000+ jobs without any bribes or favouritism.
Under Congress and Akali Dal governments, Punjab's public education system was neglected, turning government schools into ruins. The AAP government is transforming Punjab from “Khasta School Wala Punjab” to “Smart School Wala Punjab” by prioritizing education. With ₹17,975 crore allocated to the sector—12% of the total budget—major reforms are underway. 425 primary schools are being upgraded into “Schools of Happiness.” Programs like the “Punjab Young Entrepreneur Program” foster leadership and entrepreneurship among students. Over 4,000 schools have installed solar panels, reducing energy costs. Additionally, initiatives like “Schools of Eminence” and international teacher training ensure high-quality education for Punjab's future.
Under Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal governments, Punjab's youth were deprived of opportunities, with nepotism making government jobs a distant dream. This systematic neglect turned Punjab into “Berozgar Punjab,” forcing its youth to leave the state. Today, under the AAP government, a revolution in employment has ensured that jobs are awarded on merit, without bribery or recommendations. Over the past three years, 51,655 government jobs were provided, transforming “Berozgar Punjab” into “Rozgar Wala Punjab.” Through 1,468 placement camps, 85,248 youths secured employment, while 24,345 received loans for self-employment. With ₹230 crore allocated for skill training and career counseling, Punjab is becoming a land of opportunities.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared, "This budget is not just about numbers; it represents a vision to transform Punjab. We are building a future where every Punjabi can dream big and achieve their aspirations. This is the 'Badlda Punjab'—the Punjab, people voted for."
He said that the AAP got into Punjab's political foray in just 2017 and in 2022 Assembly elections, the people of Punjab showed massive trust in the AAP and gave us a thumping majority. He added that the Mann government is living up to the expectation and trust of the people.