Chandigarh, March 6: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s budget session commenced on Friday with an address by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who detailed the government’s efforts in infrastructure development and public welfare. While the Governor noted that 90 per cent of Punjab households now benefit from 300 units of free electricity, the session was marked by a walkout from Congress MLAs.
The 11-day session is particularly significant as it marks the final budget presentation for the current administration before the upcoming Assembly elections. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema is scheduled to present the fiscal proposals on Sunday, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This will be the first time in the history of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that a budget is presented on a Sunday.
Governor Kataria affirmed the administration’s commitment to civic growth and concluded his address by suggesting that ‘Vande Mataram’ be included in future House proceedings alongside the National Anthem. He stated that the state’s current energy policies have provided substantial relief to a vast majority of the population.
Opposition members maintained their protest throughout the morning, raising concerns regarding the state’s law and order situation and a public debt that has surpassed Rs 4 lakh crore. They asserted that the government’s decision to hold press conferences outside the chamber during the Governor’s speech showed a lack of constitutional propriety.
A major focus of the upcoming budget is expected to be a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000 for women. This initiative aims to fulfill a primary election promise and address the needs of women, who make up nearly 48 per cent of the state’s voters. Sources stated that the government is unlikely to introduce new taxes in this final fiscal roadmap.
