POSITIVE AND PROGRESSIVE BUDGET TO FURTHER BOLSTER HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN STATE, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH
— STRENGTHENING GOVT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, AND ESTABLISHING NEW MEDICAL COLLEGES IN STATE IS TOPMOST PRIORITY OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN-LED PUNJAB GOVT
— PUNJAB GOVT ESTABLISHES 829 AACs IN JUST 23 MONTHS, MORE IN PIPELINE: PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER
— IN LESS THAN A MONTH, 574 ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS PROVIDED FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT UNDER FARISHTEY SCHEME
Chandigarh, March 5:Terming the Punjab Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema as very positive and progressive, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the enhanced allocation of budget in Health and Medical Education and Research sectors will not only ensure world-class healthcare facilities in the state but will also help in producing doctors, nurses and medical staff. An allocation of ₹5,264 crore for the Health sector and ₹1,133 crore for the Medical Education and Research sector has been provisioned in the budget of FY 2024-25.
Dr Balbir Singh said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led the Punjab Government has been working tirelessly to strengthen healthcare facilities, besides, establishing new medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals in the state.
He said that in just 23 months, the Punjab Government has established 829 Aam Aadmi Clinics in the State and many more are in the pipeline. An allocation of ₹249 crore has been earmarked in FY 2024-25 for strengthening this revolutionary initiative further, he added.
Pertinently, as many as 80 types of medicines and 38 diagnostic lab tests are being provided free of cost at these clinics. As of now, more than 1 crore patients have availed treatment and more than 31 lakh diagnostic lab tests have been conducted.
The Health Minister said that the Punjab Government has also launched the ambitious Farishtey Scheme with the intent of lowering the morbidity rates resulting from injuries sustained in road accidents and providing immediate, hassle-free treatment in the available Government/empanelled private hospitals. Additionally, to encourage common people to come forth and help accident victims and save the lives of the victims, such “Farishtey” would be incentivized with cash rewards, given commendation certificates and provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries, he said.
“In less than one month, as many as 574 road accident victims were hospitalised under the Farishtey scheme and provided free treatment,” said the Health Minister, while adding that Sadak Surakhiya Force has also played a pivotal role in providing first aid and taking road accident victims to the hospitals.
He said that three district hospitals including Ludhiana, Sangrur and Jalandhar are being upgraded, while, ₹150 crore has been provisioned for undertaking different infrastructure upgradation in the remaining 20 District Hospitals in a gradual manner. In addition, strengthening of Rural Hospitals and Sub Divisional Hospital at Cheema, Kauhrian, Dhuri (Sangrur) and SAS Nagar (Mohali) is also underway.
Meanwhile, construction of the Medical College of 100 MBBS seats each at Mastuana Sahib, Sangrur; Kapurthala, Malerkotla and Hoshiarpur are expected to start in FY 2024-25. Pertinently, the Punjab Government has already established the State Cancer Institute at Government Medical College in Amritsar at a cost of ₹114 crore and the Tertiary Cancer Center at Fazilka worth ₹45 crore has been constructed. The Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences at SAS Nagar (Mohali) has also been completed.
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ANANDPUR SAHIB CONSTITUENCY WILL BE TRANSFORMED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF TWO BRIDGES FROM KHERA KALMOT TO BHALLARI AND FROM BELA-DHYANI TO AJOLI: HARJOT SINGH BAINS
Chandigarh, March 5:In the budget presented by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today, an amount of Rs. 30 crore has been allocated for the construction of two bridges to establish direct road connectivity between village Ajoli to Bela-Dhyani, Bhalli to Khera Kalmot under Vidhan Sabha constituency Anandpur Sahib.
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has thanked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for allocating the funds for the construction of these bridges.
In a statement issued here today, Mr. Bains said that with this initiative of the Punjab government, the constituency of Anandpur Sahib will transformed, as well as it will establish a direct connection with Khuralgarh, a historical place related to Satguru Ravidas.
He said that the construction of these bridges will also benefit the people of Punjab working in the Tahliwal industrial area of Himachal, providing them with a new alternative route to reach their workplace.
Additionally, he highlighted that the construction of these bridges will maintain connectivity from Bhanupali to Khera Kalmot, even during flood days. Previously, it took at least one hour to travel from Khera Kalmot to Bhanupali, but with the construction of these bridges, it will only take ten minutes.
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HARJOT SINGH BAINS EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO PUNJAB CM FOR ALLOCATING 11.5% INCREASE FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION AND 6% FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN BUDGET
-Rs 100 crore earmarked for School of Eminence
-100 government schools to be transformed into Schools of Eminence
-100 primary schools to be converted into Schools of Happiness
Says, -Education will help in bringing revolution in the state: Education Minister
Chandigarh, March 5:Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday extended gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for allocating 11.5% increase for school education and 6% hike for higher education in the proposed budget for the financial year 2024-25, presented by the Finance Minister today.
In a statement issued today, he said that the budget reflects a positive and forward-thinking approach towards education by the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government.
He said that as a result of the government's efforts, there has been a tremendous improvement in school performance and a significant increase in school enrollment. The budget allocates a total of Rs 16,987 crore.
Bains noted that Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the 'School of Eminence', a flagship initiative of the Punjab Government, along with proposals to convert 100 schools and 100 primary schools into 'Schools of Happiness'.
Furthermore, he said that the budget for higher education has been increased by 6%, aiming to enhance the education infrastructure of government colleges in the state. A budget of Rs 1,425 crore is proposed for financial assistance to government universities and constituent colleges, with an additional Rs 525 crore reserved for technical education.
The Education Minister asserts that this budget will catalyze an educational revolution in the state.
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BUDGET 2024-25 WILL PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN PROMOTING TOURISM IN THE STATE: ANMOL GAGAN MANN
Chandigarh, March 5:The budget for the financial year 2024-25 presented by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today will help in boosting tourism in the state. This was disclosed by Punjab Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann in a statement here on Tuesday.
The Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann said that in the proposed budget for the financial year 2024-25, Rs 166 crore has been earmarked for tourism and cultural affairs. Apart from this, a project has also been prepared to promote eco-tourism in the state, which will be implemented in the next three years.
The Cabinet Minister said that the state government was making dedicated efforts to set up a Turban Museum at Sri Anandpur Sahib to make the whole world aware of the significance of the turban.
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PUNJAB FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA UNVEILS AMBITIOUS RS 2.04 LAKH CRORE BUDGET FOR FY 24-25
Chandigarh, March 5-In a significant move aimed at bolstering the state’s economy and uplifting key sectors, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema presented a visionary budget for the financial year 2024-25. The budget, exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore, reflects the government’s commitment to growth, development, and the welfare of its citizens.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema’s budget speech resonated with optimism, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive development. As Punjab charts its course toward progress, this budget serves as a roadmap for a prosperous and vibrant future
The budget with total estimate expenditure of Rs. 204917.67 crore for FY 2024-25, allocates a substantial Rs 13,784 crore for the agriculture sector, emphasizing sustainable practices, technological advancements, and farmer welfare. This investment underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring food security and rural prosperity.
Recognizing the pivotal role of health and education in societal progress, the budget focuses on these critical areas. With an allocation of Rs 16,987 crore for education, the government aims to enhance learning outcomes and provide quality education to all. Simultaneously, allocation of 5264 crore for Health and Family welfare, and Rs 1133 crore for Medical Education and Research will strengthen the state’s response to health challenges.
A significant portion of the budget, amounting to Rs 9388 crores, has been earmarked for Social Welfare schemes. This allocation is a clear indication of the government's priority in ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly those in need of support and assistance.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has generated over 40,000 government jobs in the past two years. The budget reinforces this commitment to employment generation, fostering economic resilience and stability. The budget allocated Rs 525 crore for Technical Education, and Rs 179 crore for Employment Generation and Training.
The budget presents some innovative proposals including Schools of Brilliance, Applied Learning and Happiness, and Fish Seed Farm: A river ranching programme has been initiated under which 3 lakh fish seeds have been stocked in river bodies.
An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been purposed for FY 2024-25 for government’s ongoing mission of transforming 118 schools into state of art Schools of Eminence, out of which 14 schools have already been started. Boosting the initiatives to upgrade the level of school education in the state, the budget purposes to transform 100 government senior secondary schools as ‘Schools of Brilliance’ with an initial allocation of Rs 10 crore, establishing ‘School of Applied Learning’ with an initial provision of Rs 10 Crore, and transforming 100 primary government schools into ‘School of Happines’ provisioning Rs 10 crore in budget for FY 2024-25.
The budget earmarks Rs 24283 for infrastructure projects, which will be distributed across various departments including of Water Resources, Local Government, Power, Public Works, Rural Development and Panchayats, Transport, Housing and Urban Development, and Water Supply and Sanitation. This allocation is a 16.4 % increase from the previous fiscal year's budget, indicating a strong focus on long-term development and modernization.
The budget estimates revenue collection exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore, reflecting prudent fiscal management and resource mobilization.
(For more details please find the attached file ‘Budget Higlights FY 2024-25)
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PUNJAB BUDGET 2024-25: A LEAP TOWARDS ENHANCED ROAD AND POWER INFRASTRUCTURE, SAYS HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO
Budget purposes outlay of 2,695 crore for the arteries of connectivity i.e. Roads and Bridges
Rs 7,780 crore for providing free power of 300 units per month to domestic consumers
Chandigarh, March 5-Describing the Punjab Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 as pro-people and development-oriented, Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed his gratitude towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for their special focus on the development of road and power infrastructure in the state.
Mr. ETO highlighted the Mann Government's commitment to providing free power, a promise fulfilled within three months of taking office in March 2022. With more than 90% of domestic consumers enjoying zero electricity bills, the budget ensures a continued allocation of Rs 7,780 crore to support this initiative. Additionally, the government has earmarked Rs 9,330 crore for subsidizing power to agriculture tubewells, reinforcing its support for the farming community.
The Minister underscored ongoing efforts to enhance the power infrastructure, including the imminent commissioning of a new 400 kV substation in Ropar and the strengthening of substations at Dhanansu, Behman Jassa Singh, and a 220 kV substation at Sherpur (Ludhiana), aimed at making Powercoms more efficient and cost-effective.
Mr. ETO also shed light on the government's achievements in road development, with 805 km of roads and four bridges completed under PMGSY-III at a cost of Rs 400 crore. The budget allocates Rs 600 crore for PMGSY-III in FY 2024-25. Additionally, the Minister detailed the upgrades of 31 km of National Highways and 22 km of roads under the CRIF scheme with an expenditure of Rs 40 crore, alongside upgradation of 176 km of roads with an expenditure of Rs 199 crore under the state scheme, emphasizing the substantial Rs 2,695 crore outlay for roads and bridges in the budget 2024-25.
Expressing concern over the historical and spiritual Sri Anandpur Sahib region's lack of proper connectivity, Mr. ETO appreciated the allocation of Rs 30 crore for constructing bridges between Khera Kalmot and Bhalladi, and Bela Dhyani and Ajauli, to improve travel and connectivity for the residents, marking a significant step towards the development of the region.
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VISIONARY BUDGET TO BOOST AGRICULTURE & ALLIED SECTORS IN PUNJAB: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN
• 12.74% hiked in Budget 2024-25 for agriculture & allied sectors as compared to last year
• Free power for agriculture to be continued, Rs 9,330 crore allocated towards power subsidy
• Agriculture Minister commends proposal of Rs 575 crore allocation for crop diversification
Chandigarh, March 5:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian hailed the Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in Punjab Vidhan Sabha today, and termed it as a visionary and futuristic while expressing confidence that it will give further impetus to the agriculture and allied sectors.
Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has earmarked Rs 13,784 crore for the agriculture and allied sectors in the Budget, which is 12.74% hike as compared to last year (Rs. 12027.70-CR). To continue free power for agriculture tube-wells in FY 2024-25, Rs 9,330 crore has been allocated towards power subsidy, said the Agriculture Minister.
Reiterating its commitment towards welfare of “Annadatas” of the state, S. Khudian said that Punjab government also proposed an allocation of Rs 575 crore for various Crop Diversification Schemes to encourage farmers to shun two crop cycle for improving agriculture, soil health and arrest dropping groundwater table.
S. Khudian said that an MOU has been inked with SIDBI for setting up projects of Rs 250 crore across the state to augment food processing sector in the state with an aim of diversification and providing better returns to farmers. These projects are being set up for Individual Quick Freezing for Fruits & Vegetables Processing Unit, Center for Millets, Pulses, Cereals and Spices Processing, Centre for Chilly Processing Unit, Center for Automated Beverage, Culinary Spreads Filling and Packing Unit, Integrated Production Center for Tomato Focused Fruits & Vegetables. Rs 50 crore has also been provided to PAGREXCO for initiating projects in the current year.
In the current year, a special "Mission Unnat Kisan" has also been launched to provide timely technical information to the farmers for proper cultivation of cotton, besides, providing 33% subsidy on cotton seeds to approx. 87,000 farmers.
Meanwhile, the state Government has appointed 326 Veterinary Officers and 535 Veterinary Inspectors during FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 to further strengthen and provide specialised veterinary services at the ground level. A new fish seed farm has been established at village Killian Wali in Fazilka. An area of 3,233 acres has been brought under fish culture. A river ranching programme has been initiated under which 3 lakh fish seeds have been stocked in river bodies, he added.
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LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR COMMENDS BUDGETARY OUTLAY OF RS.3154CR FOR BASIC AMENITIES AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AREAS
Expresses gratitude to Chief Minister for allocating Rs.550Cr for transport sector and Rs.450Cr for free travel facility for women
"Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme to continue with a proposed budget of Rs.25Cr for FY 2024-25
Chandigarh, March 5:Punjab Rural Development & Panchayats and Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today said that the budget for the financial year 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema, will significantly benefit the rural areas. He said that Rs.3154 crore have been allocated in the budget, aiming to fulfill Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Maan's commitment of providing an all-round development for the rural population through the provisioning of basic amenities and creation of rural employment and rural livelihood.
The Cabinet Minister expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for allocating the budget for various rural development schemes. He said that the budget proposals of Rs.655 crore for providing employment under MGNREGS, Rs.20 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Rs.120 crore for the National Rural Livelihood Mission and Rs.20 crore for the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, will ensure economic progress for rural communities.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also thanked the Chief Minister for the allocation of Rs.550 crore for the transport sector and Rs.450 crore for continuing the free travel facility for women.
He said that the 'Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme will continue in next year and Rs.25 crore has been proposed for this scheme in FY 2024-25. Similarly, an budgetary outlay of Rs.10 crore has been proposed to provide incentives under the Electric Vehicle Policy. He said that the facility of vehicle scrapping has already been started in Ludhiana and Morinda and an exemption up to 25% in Motor Vehicle Tax is being provided to new non-transport vehicles.
He said that around 11 crore women of the State have availed free bus travel facility during the current year for which Rs.450 crore has been provided by the government and an allocation of Rs.450 crore has been provided in FY 2024-25 for continuing this service.