Punjab's Election-Year Budget Highlights Populist Schemes Amid Calls for Fiscal Prudence

Punjab's upcoming election-year budget is expected to emphasize populist schemes, including a ₹1,000 allowance for eligible women and funding for the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which offers cashless medical treatment to 65 lakh families. While such measures aim to garner votes, experts highlight the need for fiscal prudence to maintain budgetary balance. Across India, states like Punjab face challenges with revenue deficits and high debt, underscoring calls for improved public financial management and sustainable fiscal reforms at the state level.