*Over 90% households receiving free power; farmers now get daytime electricity, unprecedented reform: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann* *Punjab first state to offer cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann* *From 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics to 44,920 km road network, every rupee of taxpayers’ money being used for people’s welfare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann* AHMEDABAD, 21st February 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the Punjab government will present its fifth Budget in March, reiterating that it will once again be a pro-people Budget focused on the welfare of every section of society. Interacting with media persons, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government has consistently taken pro-people and citizen-centric decisions that have transformed the state’s trajectory. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Punjab Government will present its fifth Budget in the month of March and we will continue our tradition of presenting a pro-people Budget aimed at the welfare of all. Our sole aim is to ensure the well-being of the common man, and we are making strenuous efforts to achieve this. The forthcoming Budget will again ensure immense benefit to the people of Punjab.” Taking on the Union Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that over consecutive years, the Union Budget presented by the BJP-led NDA Government has been directionless and tilted towards the affluent sections of society. “In Gujarat, where there is virtually no opposition, the agonies of the common man have multiplied and people continue to suffer. Congress and BJP are playing a friendly match there, and as a result, the voice of the common man has been suppressed,” he said. The Chief Minister remarked that while the Prime Minister talks about making the country Vishwa Guru, people in his home state are struggling for basic necessities. “To muzzle the voice of the opposition in a democracy, the Union Government has introduced the concept of Digital Janta, where vote data is created through mischief and used to win elections in every state. Today, people of Gujarat are looking towards AAP as their saviour. There is hope in the eyes of every Gujarati family in the form of AAP,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Raising the issue of financial rights of states, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab’s legitimate share in the Rural Development Fund has been undemocratically stalled by the Centre, a pattern seen in all non-BJP ruled states. “In a democracy, the government is of the people, for the people and by the people. But today, it has become a trend to suppress the voice of the opposition. Just like a bouquet is admired for its variety of flowers, democracy thrives when every voice is heard,” he said. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that his government does not discriminate while allocating funds for development. “Wherever AAP has formed the government, taxpayers’ money has been judiciously used for the welfare of the common man. After Delhi, the AAP Government in Punjab has ensured optimum utilisation of every rupee for public good,” he said. Highlighting major welfare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more than 90% households in the state are receiving free power, and farmers are now getting electricity during the daytime, a reform that had never been implemented earlier. “At a time when national assets are being handed over at throwaway prices to blue-eyed friends by the Union Government, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant. We have opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide free healthcare, and government hospitals are delivering quality medical services to the people,” he said. On healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme providing cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. “Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This has significantly eased the financial burden on people while ensuring quality health services. This historic move is aimed at providing universal healthcare to all families in the state,” he said. Focusing on education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has initiated the Punjab Sikhya Kranti to upgrade infrastructure in all government schools. “We are committed to transforming 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools into Schools of Eminence equipped with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs and playgrounds for scientific learning. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for specialised training so that they are well-versed with modern teaching practices and can prepare students for global competition. It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala,” he said. On infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state has undertaken the biggest road construction drive in its history, targeting 44,920 kilometres of roads at a cost of ₹16,209 crore. “All these roads are being constructed with a five-year maintenance clause, ensuring the highest quality standards and world-class road safety features. This will boost rural infrastructure and provide better mobility across Punjab,” he said. Recognising the sacrifices of security forces, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state provides financial assistance of ₹1 crore to the families of jawans of Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Agniveers, and ₹2 to Police who attain martyrdom in the line of duty. “This assistance is a mark of respect for the supreme sacrifice made by our heroes. It is our humble tribute to the sons of the soil who safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country,” he said. In another people-centric decision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has shut down 19 toll plazas, saving ₹64 lakh daily from the pockets of the common people in toll fees. Reiterating his government’s commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that every policy decision taken by the Punjab Government is aimed at strengthening democracy, empowering citizens and ensuring that governance remains firmly rooted in public welfare.
Jagrati Lahar is an English, Hindi and Punjabi language news paper as well as web portal. Since its launch, Jagrati Lahar has created a niche for itself for true and fast reporting among its readers in India.
Gautam Jalandhari (Editor)
RSS FEED