The Budget session of the Punjab Assembly began on a heated note on Friday as Congress legislators staged a walkout during the Governor’s address. The opposition party raised issues surrounding the crackdown on farmers and the assault on a colonel by police in Patiala. Congress lawmakers entered the Assembly wearing black armbands, protested by shouting slogans, and walked out shortly after Governor Gulab Chand Kataria started his address.
During his speech, the Governor spoke about the state government’s efforts to make Punjab drug-free, highlighting the work of the Anti-Gangster Task Force, which arrested 1,588 criminals, neutralized 13 gangsters, and busted 571 modules. He also discussed the state’s work in agriculture, including the draft agriculture policy, the increase in direct seeding of rice, and support for farmers during the paddy season.
Governor Kataria also mentioned plans to build new medical colleges in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Malerkotla, Sangrur, and SBS Nagar. He noted the successful implementation of the Business Blaster Scheme for senior secondary students and the restoration of 77 abandoned water bodies across the state.
The Governor’s address was followed by ongoing discussions and debates in the Assembly, with the next session scheduled for March 24 to discuss the Governor’s address. The Budget for 2025-26 will be presented on March 26, followed by a discussion on the budget estimates on March 27.
Key updates include the government’s efforts to improve water distribution for agriculture, an increase in minimum wages under consideration, and plans to clear the backlog in the issuance of driving licenses and vehicle registration smart cards.
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