Focus on rural transformation with ₹3,500-cr for village devp
Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced an allocation of ₹3,500 crore for the development of Punjab’s villages, aiming to address key needs and improve living conditions.
The Punjab budget outlines a transformative plan for the state’s rural areas, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, irrigation, and community welfare.
Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced an allocation of ₹3,500 crore for the development of Punjab’s villages, aiming to address key needs and improve living conditions. This investment will fund several crucial projects, including the rejuvenation of village ponds, implementation of sewage treatment systems modelled after environmentalist and Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal, and the construction of 18,944 km of rural link roads, with ₹2,873 crore earmarked for road development.
Additionally, the budget includes the restoration of “nehr khaals” (traditional canals) to enhance irrigation systems for farmers, particularly in areas with limited water sources.
A key initiative — ‘Khed Da Punjab’ — also includes the construction of playgrounds in every village to promote physical activity and strengthen community engagement.
This rural-focused budget aligns with AAP’s vision of a “Badalda Punjab” (changing Punjab), reflecting the party’s electoral success in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, where it gained significant support from rural constituencies.