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Punjab's Historic Women's Day Budget: Big Revenue Gains Announced

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced the upcoming state budget, scheduled for presentation on International Women's Day, March 8, will be historic. He highlighted significant revenue gains, with excise collections reaching Rs 37,975 crore in 46 months compared to Rs 27,395 crore under the previous Congress government. GST revenue also saw a marked increase, rising to Rs 83,000 crore in four years from Rs 61,000 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the Meri Rasoi scheme to provide ration kits to 40 lakh families.

Key Points: Punjab's Historic Budget on March 8, Says Finance Minister

  • Budget presented on International Women's Day
  • Excise revenue up by over Rs 10,000 crore
  • GST collections increased by Rs 22,000 crore
  • Meri Rasoi scheme for 40 lakh families
3 min read

"Our budget, coming on Women's Day on March 8th, will be historic": Punjab Finance Minister Cheema

Punjab FM Cheema announces historic budget on Women's Day, citing major excise and GST revenue gains compared to previous Congress government.

"Our budget, coming on Women's Day on March 8th, will be a historic budget. - Harpal Singh Cheema"

Chandigarh, March 3

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said that the Punjab government's upcoming state budget, to be presented on March 8, will be a "historic" one, highlighting gains in excise and GST revenues over the past four years.

Speaking with ANI, Cheema said, "Our budget, coming on Women's Day on March 8th, will be a historic budget. We have made significant gains in the last four years. Whether it's excise or GST, when the Congress government was in power, its treasury received Rs 27,395 crore in excise revenue. To date, in 46 months, we have received Rs 37,975 crore. Furthermore, if I talk about GST, when the Congress government was in power, they only brought in Rs 61,000 crore, but during our four-year tenure, we have recorded revenue of Rs 83,000 crore."

Citing revenue figures, the minister said that excise collections have witnessed a substantial rise compared to the previous Congress government.

He further stated that GST revenue has also seen a marked increase during the current government's tenure.

Earlier, on February 26, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat issued a notification summoning the Sixteenth Vidhan Sabha of the State of Punjab to meet for its Twelfth Budget Session on March 6.

As per the notification dated February 26, the session has been summoned by Gulab Chand Kataria in exercise of the powers conferred under Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India.

The House will assemble at 11:00 am on March 6 in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hall, Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh.

Earlier, addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, "We have decided to hold the budget session of the Punjab Assembly from March 6 to March 16. Depending on the BAC (Business Advisory Committee), if needed, the session will be extended. We will present the budget on Sunday, March 8th. If PM Modi can run Parliament on Sunday, can't we? March 8 isn't just a Sunday; it's also International Women's Day."

Bhagwant Mann further announced the Meri Rasoi scheme for 40 lakh families, under which the state government will distribute ration kits.

"The scheme impacting 40 lakh families, Meri Rasoi. The wheat given under the public distribution system will continue, and the quality of the wheat has also improved. Now, to make Punjab's food more nutritious, we are launching the scheme, under which the Punjab government will distribute food kits to 40 lakh families. Along with wheat, two kilograms of dal, two kilograms of sugar, one kilogram iodised salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder and one litre of oil," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see increased revenue figures. More money in the treasury should mean better roads, schools, and hospitals for us common people. Let's see if this "historic" budget actually delivers on ground or remains just political talk.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Punjab for work, I'm impressed by the focus on nutrition with the food kits. Improving the quality of wheat and adding dal and oil is a smart public health move. Hope it reaches the intended families.
A
Aman W
Comparing revenue with the previous government is fine, but what about the debt? Punjab's fiscal health is a major concern. I want to see a budget that tackles farmer issues and creates jobs for youth, not just distribution schemes.
K
Kavya N
The timing on Women's Day is perfect! Expecting strong allocations for women entrepreneurs, skill development, and maybe even tax benefits for working women. Fingers crossed for a budget that empowers half the population. 💪
V
Vikram M
With better GST and excise collection, the government has no excuse now. We need to see investment in infrastructure and industry. Punjab has lost many industries to other states. This budget must focus on bringing them back and creating an ecosystem for startups.

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