Punjab proposes Rs703m for CM, cabinet expenses in FY27

The Punjab government has proposed allocating Rs703.1 million for the expenses of the chief minister, cabinet members and other political officeholders in the fiscal year 2026-27, according to budget documents.

The proposed allocation covers salaries, allowances, travel, transport and other benefits for 91 political positions, including the chief minister, provincial ministers, parliamentary secretaries, advisers and special assistants.

Budget documents show that more than Rs540 million has been earmarked for salaries of the chief minister, 40 ministers, 40 parliamentary secretaries, five advisers and five special assistants.

Of the total allocation, Rs323.8 million has been proposed for the basic salaries of ministers, while Rs152.9 million has been allocated for parliamentary secretaries.

The government has also set aside Rs112.7 million for allowances payable to political officeholders.

In addition to salaries and allowances, millions of rupees have been allocated for house rent, utility allowances and other administrative expenditures associated with political offices.

According to the documents, Rs40 million has been earmarked for travel and transport expenses of the chief minister and cabinet members during the next fiscal year.

Overall, more than Rs650 million has been proposed for salaries and allowances alone for ministers, advisers and special assistants.

The allocations form part of the Punjab government's administrative expenditure estimates for the upcoming fiscal year and will be considered as part of the provincial budget approval process.

Budget documents indicate that the proposed spending is intended to cover the operational costs of the provincial political leadership and support the functioning of the cabinet and associated offices throughout the year.

The Punjab Assembly is expected to debate the budget proposals before final approval of the province's spending plan for 2026-27.