Chandigarh, July 28 -- Punjab received a mere Rs.13 lakh under the Centre's flagship Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in 2025-26, a steep fall from Rs.104.58 crore released in 2022-23, according to information tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Union minister of minority affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday.

The sharp decline comes despite the scheme funding key infrastructure projects in minority-concentration areas, including schools, health centres, skill development institutes and community assets across the state.

The ministry informed Parliament that the PMJVK is a demand-driven centrally sponsored scheme, under which no state-wise budgetary allocation is made. Instead, funds are released based on eligible project proposals submitte...