The government will allocate Rs 5 crore each year for development projects in every constituency.

The Punjab Government unveiled the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme on Thursday, committing an annual allocation of Rs 5 crore for development initiatives in each of the state’s 117 Assembly constituencies. This initiative, which received approval from the Council of Ministers during a meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, mirrors the Central Government’s Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs had been advocating for financial resources to facilitate development in their constituencies, particularly as the Assembly elections approach in approximately two years. The urgency for visible infrastructure projects has prompted the government to implement this scheme. Funds allocated under this program can be utilized for the creation of public assets, the acquisition of movable assets such as computers and equipment for schools and hospitals, and broader infrastructure development. Notably, this scheme bears resemblance to the Punjab Nirman Scheme, which was previously introduced by the Congress during its terms in power from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2017 to 2022. Historically, this initiative was launched towards the end of the Congress government’s tenure on both occasions, originally conceived by former Finance Minister Surinder Singla in 2006. During the last Congress administration, it was reintroduced under Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in 2021, with a substantial allocation of Rs 1,100 crore for the 117 constituencies; however, the scheme was not implemented due to Capt Amarinder’s resignation. Under the current AAP government, a total of Rs 585 crore has been earmarked for the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, with funds to be drawn from the state’s Consolidated Fund. The administration of these funds will be overseen by deputy commissioners, who will allocate expenditures based on recommendations from MLAs, community organizations, citizen groups, and engaged members of the public.