Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on 10th March 2023 presented the financial budget of state for the FY 2023-2024. This is the second budget that was presented by Aam Aadmi Party in the Vidhan Sabha. Earlier, interim budget was presented by them, this year the party announced its full-fledged budget. The main focus of every person residing in Punjab was on new subsidy schemes for locals, amount of debt on state and allocation of funds for same, amount given to education and healthcare sector. Punjab Government presented Budget for Rs. 1, 96,462 crores which is 26% more than last year.
This year Punjab Government has focused their budget mainly on education, health, employment and agriculture. Finance Minister mainly highlighted steps to be taken for employment generation, making schools of eminence and creation of Aam Aadmi Clinics.
The Punjab government in Vidhan Sabha proposed an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for crop diversification. In agriculture field, government has allocated Rs. 350 crore under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanism and free power to farmers has been earmarked for Rs. 9,331 crores. Punjab Government has also announced insurance for farmers to protect them from crop failures as well as other uncertainties.
Apart from this, opening of various colleges and universities for youth were also presented in the budget. Government announced to start coaching centres of National level in Punjab for the youth interested in sports.