Punjab Budget 2026-27: Major Allocation for Home Affairs and Justice Department
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the state budget on Sunday, proposing a substantial allocation of Rs 11,577 crore for the Department of Home Affairs, Justice, and Jails. This significant outlay underscores the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's commitment to enhancing institutional capacity, technological capabilities, and operational readiness across the state's security and justice systems.
Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrades
Within this budget, Rs 535 crore has been earmarked specifically for initiatives focused on security modernization, infrastructure strengthening, and capacity enhancement. This includes Rs 390 crore dedicated to modernizing police technologies and upgrading critical infrastructure, alongside Rs 145 crore allocated for the construction, renovation, and upgradation of jail facilities throughout Punjab.
Comprehensive Anti-Drug Campaign
Cheema emphasized the government's sustained campaign against drug abuse, describing it as a top priority. Over the past year, authorities have registered 36,686 cases against 52,331 traffickers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These intelligence-led operations resulted in the seizure of more than 33,000 kg of narcotics.
To bolster these efforts, financial investigations have been intensified to attach properties derived from illicit drug proceeds. Additionally, the state has advanced its Drug and Socio-economic Census initiative, with preparations including the development of a dedicated software platform and training of field functionaries to ensure accuracy, transparency, and data integrity. The census is scheduled for rollout from April 2026, aiming to generate evidence-based data for targeted welfare interventions. A budget of Rs 100 crore has been set aside for FY 2026–27 to ensure its effective implementation.
Community Vigilance and Anti-Gangster Operations
Highlighting the role of community participation, Cheema noted the mobilization of nearly 12,000 Village Defence Committees (VDCs) with over 1.25 lakh members, along with thousands of "Pinda De Pehredar" volunteers. This network reinforces enforcement through community vigilance, leading to more than 350 FIRs registered and 510 persons arrested based on VDC feedback in the last two months alone.
On the front against organized crime, the Anti-Gangster Task Force has played a pivotal role in restoring public confidence. Since its formation, it has arrested 2,762 gangsters and criminals, neutralized 34, busted 1,062 modules, and recovered 2,203 weapons. The government has also launched Operation Prahar, a coordinated statewide crackdown targeting gangster networks, financiers, and logistical chains to dismantle the nexus between organized crime and narcotics.
Border Security and Emergency Response
Addressing security along Punjab's 553-km international border, Cheema announced the establishment of a second line of defence through the installation of 2,367 CCTV cameras across 636 strategic locations in border districts. So far, 1,719 cameras have been installed, with control rooms operational in respective police stations.
In terms of emergency response, the Sadak Surakhya Force has reduced response times to six to seven minutes on designated highway stretches. To further strengthen the Dial 112 emergency service, 508 four-wheelers are being purchased during the current year.
Record Sports Allocation for Youth Engagement
Cheema linked the war on drugs to engaging youth in constructive activities, proposing a record budgetary allocation of Rs 1,791 crore for the sports sector in FY 2026–27. This represents a policy commitment to institutionalizing sports development across Punjab.
Groundwork is already underway for more than 3,000 model village playgrounds featuring laser-levelled fields, jogging tracks, football and volleyball courts, children's play areas, separate toilets for men and women, and high-mast lights. These projects, costing Rs 1,100 crore, are expected to be completed by June 2026. Additionally, 1,000 rural indoor gyms are under construction and slated for completion by April 2026.
Looking ahead, the government has decided to build 6,000 additional village playgrounds and 5,000 additional indoor gyms, further expanding recreational and fitness infrastructure to promote healthy lifestyles and deter drug abuse among the youth.
