The North News
Chandigarh, March 9
Harpal Singh Cheema has said every promise made to the people of Punjab has been fulfilled as he presented the state’s ₹2,60,437 crore budget for 2026-27 in the assembly.
The budget is the last to be presented by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government before the state heads to elections expected in early 2027.
Mr Cheema described the budget as dedicated to the “mothers and daughters of Punjab”, calling it a tribute to their contribution to society and the future of the state.
Addressing lawmakers, he said the government’s fifth budget marked a key point in its governance journey. He said voters had chosen change in March 2022 by electing the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Mr Cheema said the government had ensured that the guarantees it made to voters were implemented through policies, financial support and institutional reforms.
“I stand before this House with pride to say that every promise made to the people of Punjab has been fulfilled,” he said, naming the financial plan the “Saari Guarantiyan Puri Karan Wala Budget”.
The minister also paid tribute to residents who faced severe flooding last year, saying people showed “remarkable strength and compassion” while rebuilding their lives.
According to the budget estimates, Punjab’s Gross State Domestic Product is projected to reach ₹9,80,635 crore in 2026-27, with an expected growth rate of 10%.
The effective revenue deficit is estimated at 2.06% of GSDP, while the fiscal deficit is projected at 4.08%.
Mr Cheema said the figures reflected the government’s aim of balancing fiscal discipline with continued support for economic growth and welfare programmes.
