Chandigarh, March 26: Punjab’s budget for 2025-26 prioritizes rural transformation, industrial growth, and the promotion of cultural heritage, according to Rural Development and Panchayat, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond.
The budget earmarks ₹3,500 crore for village development, covering pond cleaning, sewage treatment under the Seechewal-Thapar model, canal restoration, sports ground construction, and streetlight installation under the CM Streetlight Scheme.
For infrastructure, ₹2,873 crore is allocated for the construction and upgradation of 18,944 km of rural link roads, managed by the Punjab Mandi Board, he said.
To promote industry, the budget includes a ₹250 crore financial incentive package—the largest ever by the state.
Sond noted that the previous government spent only ₹53 crore on industrial promotion over five years, while its predecessor allocated nothing.
The budget also proposes ₹80 crore for a Unity Mall in Amritsar, featuring stalls from all states, union territories, and Punjab’s 23 districts, offering artisans and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products.
Besides, ₹10 crore is set aside to upgrade the Research and Development Center and the Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology Institute in Ludhiana.
On the cultural front, the budget includes state-level events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, along with infrastructure upgrades at pilgrimage sites linked to the Guru. Special attention will be given to the holistic development of Anandpur Sahib.
The government will also invest ₹10 crore to develop Nangal as a major tourist hub by enhancing its infrastructure. Furthermore, ₹54 crore is allocated for building a heritage road and an auditorium in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
To promote Punjab’s cultural legacy, the budget outlines 32 cultural programs, festivals, and plays based on historical figures, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich heritage.
