Punjab Government Under Lens: Free Power, Women’s Aid and Anti-Drug Drive
Punjab’s governance record is drawing attention as free electricity, women’s financial assistance, healthcare savings and the state’s anti-drug campaign become key points of political debate.
Punjab’s welfare schemes and governance record have come under scrutiny as the state heads towards another politically charged period, with free electricity, women’s financial assistance and the government’s anti-drug campaign at the centre of discussion.
The Aam Aadmi Party government provides eligible households with 300 units of free electricity per month, effectively 600 units in a two-month billing cycle. The state’s 2026-27 Budget also allocated Rs 9,300 crore for the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojana, under which eligible women receive Rs 1,000 per month and eligible Scheduled Caste women Rs 1,500.
The government has also highlighted the purchase of the Goindwal Sahib thermal power plant for Rs 1,080 crore, along with free healthcare through Aam Aadmi Clinics and free bus travel for women. These measures have been presented by the AAP as reducing household expenses.
The anti-drug campaign remains another major issue. The government has pointed to arrests and seizures as evidence of enforcement, while political opponents continue to question the effectiveness of the broader crackdown.
Sports programmes such as Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan have also been promoted as part of efforts to encourage young people towards sporting activities.
With welfare spending, fiscal pressures and drug control all under political scrutiny, Punjab’s policy record is likely to remain a major part of the debate ahead of the 2027 Assembly election.
