Preliminary estimates by the Finance Department suggest that implementing the scheme would require Rs 1,000-1,300 crore per month.

Punjab 2026-27 Budget Likely After Holi: Rs 1,000 Monthly Aid for Women Anticipated

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is expected to hold the Budget session in the first week of March, shortly after Holi, with the Budget likely to be presented in the second week. Official sources indicated that the session could begin around March 6, though the final dates will be decided by the Council of Ministers. The 2026-27 Budget will be the last before the next Vidhan Sabha elections.

A key announcement anticipated in the Budget is the introduction of a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000 for women aged 18 and above, a promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Funds for the scheme are expected to come from the auction of government land and properties, mainly in the Greater Mohali area, which has already generated around Rs 4,000 crore.

Preliminary estimates by the Finance Department suggest that implementing the scheme would require Rs 1,000-1,300 crore per month. The government is also speeding up sales under the Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Land Scheme to support the programme.

Punjab has borrowed Rs 18,268.91 crore in the first three quarters of the current fiscal year and could raise an additional Rs 12,000 crore by March, with part of these funds potentially allocated to the honorarium. The Budget may also cover pending dearness allowance instalments for employees and pensioners. 

However, the rollback of the Revenue Deficit Grant under the 16th Finance Commission is expected to reduce state revenues by Rs 27,000 crore over five years, which could impact infrastructure spending.

Source: The Tribune