The border areas of Punjab, which are vital for national security and regional stability, are witnessing improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, skill development and employment opportunities following the Centre’s initiatives approved in 2025 such as the Frontier Areas Development Program and the Vibrant Villages Programme-2.
Many villages in various districts, such as Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and Pathankot, have better irrigation systems and greater access to local markets. In a major relief, farmers can now access more fertile land after the Center moved the border fence closer to the zero line. In Ferozepur, skills training programs have helped sections of youth find opportunities in small dairy businesses and handicrafts, while women-run self-help groups are seeing an increase in household incomes thanks to improved digital access and improved rural roads.
On the agricultural front, the state has witnessed increased crop diversification and improved post-harvest infrastructure. This has been helped by incentives to move to crops that consume less water, such as maize and legumes.
Through supported distribution of machinery and awareness programs under the Crop Residue Management Scheme, Punjab has made significant progress in reducing tree stubble burning, which becomes a cause of concern every November as it increases air pollution. However, in 2025, the state saw a 50 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents.
Under the Union government schemes such as PM-KISAN and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers have benefited from improved financial security through timely settlement of insurance claims, especially in flood-affected areas.
Connectivity in and around Punjab also witnessed a boost as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, built under the Jati Shakti National Master Plan, has significantly reduced travel time between the three cities. The corridor is also expected to help in agricultural logistics in the state. Similarly, the Ambala-Chandigarh-Zirakpur Expressway corridor has also helped in decongesting and improving access to industrial centres.
Punjab’s progress, with the help of several Central schemes, is a crucial step towards the Centre’s vision of ‘Fixit Bharat’.
