India, March 26 -- Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday presented a Rs.2.36-lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 financial year.

Cheema said the effective revenue deficit and fiscal deficit are expected to be 2.51% and 3.84%, respectively. "According to the advanced estimates provided by the directorate of statistics," he said, "Punjab's economy is on a strong growth trajectory, registering an impressive 9% growth in the current year. As a result, the state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices has reached Rs.8,09,538 crore. Looking ahead, the momentum is expected to continue, with GSDP at current prices projected to expand by 10% in FY 2025-26, reaching Rs.8,91,301 crore."

Cheema said the total revenu...