Last updated: Jul, 2022
Introduction
Punjab, one of the northernmost states of India, is bordered by the Pakistani province of Punjab to its west, Jammu & Kashmir in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the northeast, Haryana in the south and southeast, and Rajasthan in the southwest.
The state’s GSDP (in Rs.) increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.78% between 2015-16 and 2020-21.
As of March 2022, Punjab has a total installed power generation capacity of 14,512.42 MW, with 4,187.70 MW under the central sector, 3,281.20 MW under state utilities, and 7,043.52 MW under the private sector. Of the total installed power generation capacity, 8,729.51 MW was contributed by thermal power, 3,818.28 MW by hydropower, and 1,767.82 MW was generated from renewable energy.
According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), cumulative FDI inflow in the state stood at US$ 778.73 million between October 2019-December 2021.
Recent Developments
- Total merchandise exports from Punjab stood at US$ 6.38 billion in FY22 (until February 2022).
- On April 27, 2022, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. VK Bhawra, inaugurated a state-of-the-art ‘Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre’ in Mohali to reduce road accident fatalities using futuristic scientific tools of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- In April 2022, Punjab’s Minister of Health, Dr. Vijay Singla, announced plans to set up 333 urban wellness centres in urban and semi-urban areas across the state.
- In September 2021, the Punjab government approved a policy to develop 50-acre townships in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) due to the rising demand for affordable housing in Chandigarh and Mohali.
- Under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, the Union Ministry of Education authorised a budget of Rs. 1,126 crore (US$ 152.91 million) for school education and teacher training in Punjab for FY22.
- In June 2021, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced planned infrastructure development work worth Rs. 1,417 crore (US$ 194 million) in Punjab for the current fiscal (FY22). The annual plan will cover 295 kms of national highways.
- In March 2021, Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ announced opening of a new Kendriya Vidyalaya in Punjab.
- In September 2020, the state government initiated 12 major projects to improve road connectivity in the state, under the central road and infrastructure fund (CRIF), at a cost of Rs. 211.22 crore (US$ 28.86 million).
- In March 2020, the Punjab government allocated an outlay of Rs. 100 crore (US$ 7.45 million) under a ‘Smart School Policy’ for smart schools and digital education.
- Under the State Budget 2021-22:
- Rs. 2,449 crore (US$ 337.46 million) has been allocated for roads and bridges, of which funds worth Rs. 575 crore (US$ 79.23 million) were allocated to upgrade, construct and repair 560 kms of roads and bridges in FY22.
- Total funds worth Rs. 160 crore (US$ 22.05 million) were proposed for improvement of 124 rural roads.
- A total of Rs. 250 crore (US$ 34.45 million) has been set aside, under the Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme, for various works on 308 kms of road.
- Rs. 3,822 crore (US$ 526.65 million) has been allocated for health and family welfare to strengthen the health infrastructure of the state.
- Rs. 1,600 crore (US$ 220.47 million), Rs. 1,400 crore (US$ 192.91 million) and Rs. 114 crore (US$ 15.71 million) have been allocated for Smart Cities, AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), respectively.
Key Sectors
- In 2019-20, the total production of horticulture crops in the state was expected to be 413.30 thousand metric tonnes and area under production was 7,797.65 thousand hectares. In 2019-20, the total production of vegetables and fruits was estimated at 5,537.82 thousand metric tonnes and 2,106.12 thousand metric tonnes, respectively.
- In FY22 (until February 2022), basmati rice exports from the state stood at US$ 318.94 million.
- In the Rabi Marketing Season 2021-22, Punjab was the country’s top wheat procurer, with 132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of procurement at minimum support price.
- The state has emerged as a key hub for textile-based industries including yarn, readymade garments, and hosiery. With the development of apparel parks, favourable textiles policy and other incentives for the creation of textile infrastructure, the state offers numerous opportunities for investment. Punjab is the source of 95% of India’s woollen knitwear production, 85% of India’s sewing machine production, and 75% of India’s sports goods production.
- In FY22 (until February 2022), Punjab exported cotton yarn worth US$ 674.58 million and ready-made garments (man-made fibres) worth US$ 134.77 million.
FACTFILE
Capital
ChandigarhGeographical Area (sq km)
50,362State Language
Punjabi, Hindi and EnglishLiteracy Rate
76.7 per centKey Industries:
Tractors and auto components
Agro-based industries
Textiles
Pharmaceuticals
Light engineering goods
Food products
Chemical products
Bicycles and bicycle parts
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