Hailing the budget 2023-24 presented by the finance minister Harpal Cheema as ‘Aam Lokaan Da Budget’ (common man’s budget), the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described it as a the roadmap for a new, progressive and prosperous Punjab.
The CM said it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that this tax free budget has been presented exactly a year after his government has assumed charge in office. Mann said the budget will transform the destiny of the common man (Aam Lok) by ensuring peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
Mann said the allocation for agriculture and allied sectors has been enhanced by 20 per cent to take adequate steps for making farming a profitable venture.He said an allocation of Rs 1,000 Crore for a special scheme on diversification during the upcoming financial year will also act as a catalyst for the well being of farmers. Mann said the proposal to provide crop insurance to farmers to save them from vagaries of the weather and other uncertainties is also a historic decision to safeguard the interests of the farmers.
Mann said it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that an outlay of Rs 17,072 Crore for school and higher education has been kept which is 12 per cent higher than previous year. He said a budget of Rs 200 Crore has been kept for upgradation of schools into Schools of Eminence adding that an allocation of Rs 18 Crore for other backward class students and Rs 60 Crore for scheduled caste students has been kept.
The Chief Minister said that provision to re-activate over 14,500 youth clubs in the state will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction.  He also said an allocation of Rs1,015 Crore for medical education and research will help in making the state a hub of medical education.
The CM said Rs 4,781 Crore has been kept for health and family welfare which is 11 per cent higher than the previous year.  He said the state government will continue to facilitate the industrial units in the state by giving them a large number of fiscal incentives to boost industrialisation in the state.
He said that due focus has also been laid for renovation and upgradation of state infrastructure with a total budget outlay of Rs 26,295 crore which is 13 per cent higher than last financial year.