Hoshiarpur- Chabbewal MLA Dr Ishank Kumar today said that Punjab Budget-2025 presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema will give new impetus to the all-round development of the state. Terming Punjab Budget-2025 as pro-people, MLA Dr Ishank Kumar said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the economic development of Punjab has got a boost, with an impressive growth rate of 9 per cent in the current year, as a result of which the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has reached Rs 8.09 crore at current prices.
He said that it is very commendable for the financial position of the state that GSDP is estimated to grow by 10 per cent in the year 2025-26. He said that by presenting an impressive budget, the Punjab Government has shown that the previously economically weak Punjab is being made a strong Punjab by the present government. Welcoming the announcement of 11 per cent budget for the education sector by the Finance Minister during the budget, Dr. Ishank Kumar said that this would significantly increase the level of government schools and education.
He said that the Punjab Government's 'Punjab Yuva Udyami Program' would benefit students through entrepreneurship. He said that Rs 855 crore has been allocated for construction and upgradation of 2718 km planned roads and new link roads etc. in the state, which will benefit the people with easy transportation. He said that the decision of the Punjab Government to purchase 347 e-buses would ensure smooth, pollution free and convenient transportation for the people.
He said that the provision of Rs 778 crore under Tandrust Punjab and Rs 979 crore for the Sports Department would provide quality health facilities to the people as well as open new possibilities in the field of sports for the youth. Praising the Punjab government's war against drugs program, he said that while mentioning another commendable initiative during the budget, the Finance Minister said that under this campaign, 3816 drug smugglers have been arrested by registering 2136 FIRs in a few days, which has given a big blow to the drug mafia and this mission will continue in future as well.
Dr. Ishank Kumar said that it is also an important decision in the history of Punjab that for the first time Punjab Government will establish a second defense line by deploying 5000 Home Guards along with BSF on the border. He said that the decision to introduce anti-drone systems and modern technology to track and neutralize drones is also commendable, under which the Punjab Government has reserved Rs 110 crore for all the initiatives.