Punjab Government Releases INR 213 Crore Under Rangla Punjab Scheme For Local Development

The Punjab government has taken its first step toward rolling out the Rangla Punjab Scheme. On Friday, November 27, 2025, Punjab’s Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, announced that INR 213 crore has been released as the first instalment under the scheme. This amount is out of the total INR 585 crore earmarked for the 2025-26 financial year.

According to statements from the Finance Ministry, every assembly constituency in Punjab will receive INR 5 crore for local development projects under the scheme. Committees comprising MLAs and government officials have been constituted for scheme implementation and proper fund utilisation. These committees sent proposals for this initiative. The first batch of INR 213 crore has been disbursed to various panchayats across the state, as confirmed by government officials.

The government highlighted that this is in addition to earlier disbursals: Cheema clarified that before this, funds amounting to INR 334 crore had already been released to panchayats, zila parishads, and panchayat samitis. The plan, he asserted, focuses on comprehensive development to ensure that no village, town, or city is left behind.

The state is also working towards major infrastructure upgrades: over 3,000 new sports stadiums are reportedly being constructed to offer the youth a shot at Olympic-level training. Meanwhile, plans to build or upgrade 19,000 kilometres of roads are underway to strengthen connectivity across Punjab.

Rangla Punjab represents more than just another welfare initiative; it is a bold attempt to democratise development at the grassroots. Allocating funds per constituency and involving local representatives and officials in planning could lead to meaningful outcomes: better roads, sports and youth facilities, civic amenities, and overall development of urban and rural areas.

According to state officials, the structure of the scheme, based on proposal-based funding and local committees, focuses on transparency and vigilance. As the first instalment is underway, a close watch on fund utilisation, projects on a priority basis, and whether the benefits truly reach intended communities will determine the real value of Rangla Punjab.

The release of INR 213 crore is the beginning of a major initiative for grassroots development in the state. For citizens and civil society, now is the time to watch and hold the system accountable.