Universal ₹10-lakh health cover, strong push for education infra
The finance minister announced ₹10-lakh health cover per annum per family under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana run by the central government.
Chandigarh
With a focus on health and education, Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday rolled out a slew of initiatives in the budget proposals for 2025-26 with these two key sectors being allocated ₹5,598 crore, and ₹17,975 crore, respectively.
Both these sectors have been allocated 6% more funds as compared to last fiscal’s revised estimates.
The finance minister announced ₹10-lakh health cover per annum per family under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana run by the central government.
“The government has decided to extend the state health insurance scheme in the coming year to make it universal and cover all 65 lakh families of Punjab. There will be no bar or discrimination — rural or urban, rich or poor — everyone can avail of this scheme. The government has also decided to extend the insurance cover for all the families of Punjab to ₹10 lakh per annum,” reads the finance minister’s budget speech.
The budget proposals said this include those enrolled in the central government scheme too, they will get an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh from the state government. Further, all families, who are covered under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana will receive a “Sehat Card” next year through which they can avail cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh in government and private hospitals across Punjab.
So far, 45 lakh families of Punjab are enrolled under the government health insurance schemes of which 16 lakh families are covered under Centre’s Ayushman scheme and the remaining 29 lakh are covered under the Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana. The insurance coverage for the entire family is only ₹5 lakh per annum in these schemes at present. The finance minister has allocated ₹778 crore for this.
In the education sector, the finance minister said dedicated financial provision has been made for the upkeep of government schools, with the appointment of campus managers, security guards, chowkidars and sweepers to maintain hygiene and security.
“Additionally, ₹1,240 crore has been allocated for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, ₹466 crore for PM Poshan Scheme, ₹75 crore for free books, and ₹35 crore for uniforms to students reaffirm our commitment to accessible and equitable education,” the finance minister said.
“With this holistic approach, we are laying a strong foundation of Punjab’s educational transformation — ensuring our students excel academically, develop essential life skills, and are well-prepared to lead in the modern world,” said Cheema.
The finance minister said emphasis will be laid on digital learning, research facilities and skill development programmes to align higher education with industry needs. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance faculty training, upgrade student amenities and improve campus infrastructure,creating a dynamic environment for academic excellence and innovation, he added.
For higher education, the government has proposed ₹199 crore under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and ₹160 crore for infrastructure upgrade, sports facilities, libraries, and skill-oriented programmes.
The finance minister also mentioned new medical college with 50 MBBS seats recently announced by chief minister Bhagwant Mann that will come up at Barnala Kalan village in SBS Nagar district.
For technical education, ₹579 crore has been proposed for upgrading infrastructure, procuring advanced machinery for new age courses, and completing ongoing building projects. This includes a budget provision of ₹33 crore for opening of new ITI’s.
