Punjab Budget 2025-26: Dr. Baljit Kaur Hails Provisions for Marginalized Communities and Women Empowerment
Chandigarh, March 26, 2025 — Punjab’s Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has applauded the Punjab Budget 2025-26, presenting it as a critical step towards fostering inclusive welfare for marginalized communities, women, and vulnerable groups across the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the budget introduces several key provisions aimed at promoting social justice, economic empowerment, and financial stability for Punjab’s most disadvantaged citizens.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s budget, described by Dr. Kaur as a significant milestone in the creation of a ‘Rangla Punjab’, emphasizes the upliftment of socially and economically marginalized sections. With a focus on social security, women’s mobility, and financial relief, the budget is seen as a vital effort to alleviate the financial burdens faced by underprivileged families and empower women in the state.
Key Highlights of the Punjab Budget 2025-26
₹9,340 Crore for Marginalized Communities
The Punjab Government has allocated an impressive ₹9,340 crore under the new budget to ensure social justice and equality for marginalized communities. These funds will be directed towards assisting vulnerable sections of society, including:
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Elderly citizens, widows, and destitute women
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Orphaned children and persons with disabilities
This allocation will ensure that the most vulnerable groups receive the necessary financial support to lead dignified lives. Dr. Kaur highlighted that this focus on marginalized communities aligns with the government’s long-standing commitment to creating an inclusive society where every citizen has access to equal opportunities and resources.
Loan Waivers for Distressed Families
A standout provision in the budget is the loan waiver scheme for the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) beneficiaries. Under this initiative, all loans taken by beneficiaries before March 31, 2020, will be completely waived. This decision will benefit around 4,650 individuals from marginalized backgrounds, helping them regain their financial stability and avoid further economic distress.
Dr. Kaur expressed her satisfaction with this provision, noting that it would provide immense relief to families who had been struggling to repay loans for years. The waiver is seen as an essential step toward breaking the cycle of debt for many low-income families and ensuring a brighter, debt-free future.
₹450 Crore Allocated for Free Bus Travel for Women
One of the budget’s most widely acclaimed provisions is the free bus travel scheme for women. This initiative, which has already seen overwhelming success in the past year, has been allocated ₹450 crore for its continuation in the next fiscal year. Dr. Kaur emphasized the importance of this scheme, which has already benefitted over 12 crore women across Punjab.
The initiative not only enhances women’s mobility but also empowers them to seek economic opportunities, education, and healthcare without the added burden of transportation costs. By continuing this scheme, the Punjab Government is ensuring that women from all walks of life have greater freedom and access to opportunities that were previously out of reach due to economic constraints.
Financial Support for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Minorities
In a bid to promote the economic upliftment of socially disadvantaged groups, the Punjab Government has earmarked ₹13,987 crore—approximately 34% of the total development budget—for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, minorities, and other marginalized sections of the population.
This funding will be used to expand social security benefits, increase employment opportunities, and provide financial assistance to various welfare schemes aimed at these communities. Dr. Kaur noted that the government’s focus on social equity ensures that marginalized groups are not left behind in the state’s development.
A Step Towards a “Rangla Punjab”
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is on its way to becoming a ‘Rangla Punjab’—a prosperous and inclusive state where no one is excluded from opportunities based on their social or economic status. The budget’s emphasis on marginalized communities, women, and social justice aligns with this vision and lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable development.
The Punjab Budget 2025-26 not only focuses on economic growth but also recognizes the importance of ensuring that every citizen has equal access to resources, opportunities, and welfare programs.
Dr. Baljit Kaur’s Vision for Punjab’s Social Security Programs
In her statement, Dr. Kaur expressed confidence that the new budget would significantly improve the welfare of Punjab’s citizens, especially women, children, and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. She praised the ongoing initiatives under the Social Security Department, which have been instrumental in promoting social justice and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities.
The loan waiver, free bus travel, and financial assistance for marginalized communities are just some of the ways the Punjab Government is demonstrating its commitment to inclusive welfare and social equity. These measures not only provide immediate relief but also build a foundation for long-term social empowerment and financial stability for Punjab’s underprivileged citizens.
Conclusion: Empowering Punjab’s Marginalized and Women’s Welfare
The Punjab Budget 2025-26 is a historic step toward creating a more equitable and prosperous Punjab. By focusing on the welfare of marginalized groups and continuing to support women’s empowerment through initiatives like free bus travel, the budget addresses the core issues facing these communities. The loan waiver program and the allocation for social security programs are clear indications of the state’s dedication to creating a fairer society.
With these provisions, the Punjab Government is not only ensuring immediate relief but also paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for all its citizens.