As per the official sources, the authorities were keen to begin the session around March 6, however, the final decision is to be taken by the council of Ministers.
Punjab State Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government is anticipated to convene the Punjab State Budget session in the first week of March, just after Holi. It is expected that the Budget will be presented in the second week of the month.
As per the official sources, the authorities were keen to begin the session around March 6, however, the final decision is to be taken by the council of Ministers.
The 2026-2027 reportedly would be the last of the present ruling government before the next Vidhan Sabha elections.
The hopes are high among the women of Punjab state as it is on the cards that with this budget, the state Government is expected to fulfil its promise of providing monthly Rs 1000 honorarium to every woman aged 18 years and above.
As per the received information, it has come to light that the funds for honorarium is to be raised through the auction of Government land and properties, mainly in the Greater Mohali area. The Government has reportedly collected around INR 4000 crore through these auctions.
According to the estimations presented by the Finance Department, INR 1000 Crore to INR 1300 Crore per month will be required to implement the scheme. The Government as well is accelerating sales under the Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Land Scheme.
Having borrowed Rs 18,268.91 crore in the first three quarters of the current fiscal, the state can raise another Rs 12,000 crore by March. Officials said part of these funds could be used for the honorarium scheme. The Budget is also likely to provide for pending dearness allowance (DA) instalments for employees and pensioners.
However, the rollback of the Revenue Deficit Grant under the 16th Finance Commission is expected to reduce the state’s receipts by Rs 27,000 crore over five years, potentially affecting infrastructure spending.
