Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Punjab CM Mann Seeks Stronger Finances for Local Bodies
Punjab’s government wants village councils and city governments to have stronger finances.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann discussed this with the state’s new finance commission.
The commission will study how much money local bodies can collect and how much they need to spend.
It will suggest how taxes, duties, tolls, fees and other funds should be divided.
The goal is to help local governments provide important services and build infrastructure.
Mann said the system should be fair, transparent and lasting.
The commission will also suggest ways to reduce wasteful spending and improve administration.
Its report will cover five years beginning April 1, 2026, and is due by September 30, 2027.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged a stronger financial framework for Punjab’s urban and rural local bodies.
The Seventh Punjab Finance Commission will recommend how taxes, duties, tolls, fees and other resources are shared.
The commission will assess the finances, revenue potential and spending responsibilities of Panchayats and Municipalities.
Mann called for transparent, equitable and sustainable fiscal devolution to support civic services and local infrastructure.
Chaired by former Punjab additional chief secretary K. Siva Prasad, the commission must submit its report by September 30, 2027.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the newly constituted Seventh Punjab Finance Commission.
- What
- Mann called for stronger fiscal capacity and improved financial devolution for Panchayats and Municipalities.
- When
- The meeting was held on September 22; the commission’s review period begins April 1, 2026, and its report is due by September 30, 2027.
- Where
- Chandigarh, Punjab.
- Why
- To improve the financial sustainability of local governments and help them deliver civic services and local infrastructure.
- Commission
- Seventh Punjab Finance Commission
- Chairperson
- K. Siva Prasad, former additional chief secretary of Punjab
- Legal basis
- Section 3(1) of the Punjab Finance Commission for Panchayats and Municipalities Act, 1994
- Review period
- Five years beginning April 1, 2026
- Report deadline
- September 30, 2027
- Key recommendations
- Distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, fees and other resources, along with measures to improve local-body finances
- Expert member
- Shoikat Roy
