India, March 8 -- Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday proposed a total budget expenditure of Rs.2,60,437 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal, framing the proposals as a tribute to the "mothers and daughters" of the state. Coinciding with International Women's Day, the budget-titled Saar Guarantuyan Puri Karan Wala Budget-aims to balance aggressive welfare spending with fiscal discipline in the run-up to the 2027 assembly elections.

Universal cash transfer for women

The centrepiece of the budget is the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna, a direct benefit transfer scheme. Under this initiative, the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government will transfer Rs.1,000 per month to all adult women. For women belonging to the SC ...