The Punjab government unveiled its 2026 development budget proposals on Thursday, earmarking billions of rupees for IT and artificial intelligence initiatives. Among the proposed schemes is a Rs 10 billion allocation for the Chief Minister’s Priority Program.
A further Rs 10 billion has been set aside for smog eradication efforts, while Rs 88 billion will be invested in the Chief Minister’s Internship Program Phase II. The budget also proposes Rs 72.5 billion to enhance broadband coverage in urban areas and plans for a modern AI platform and government cloud infrastructure to monitor industrial pollution across Punjab.
Additional funds have been allocated for socio-economic data collection, freelancing and bootcamp programs, One Map Punjab initiative, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals.