AAP Government Presents ₹2.36 Lakh Crore Budget – What’s in It for You?

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s fourth budget in the state assembly. This year, the budget is themed "Badalta Punjab" (Changing Punjab) and stands at ₹2.36 lakh crore, which is approximately 15% higher than the previous year.

The Punjab government has allocated ₹268 crore for the health department. For the first time, 65,000 families will be covered under the health insurance scheme. Additionally, the insurance cover has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, and all families will receive health cards. Furthermore, ₹778 crore has been set aside for various health initiatives, and ₹10 crore has been allocated for the "Farishtey" scheme.

For the first time, the Punjab government will launch a mega sports initiative called "Khedan Punjab, Badalta Punjab." Under this, sports grounds and gyms will be built in every village, equipped with running tracks, solar lights, and other facilities. Additionally, 3,000 indoor stadiums will be constructed across Punjab, and Centers of Excellence in Sports will be upgraded. The government has allocated ₹979 crore for these initiatives.