Punjab took center stage at the pre-budget consultation chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with state Finance Ministers on Sunday, ahead of Union Budget 2026-27. The state pressed for stronger fiscal support amid agrarian and developmental challenges .Punjab demanded a hike in farmer incentives from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000 per farmer, highlighting the need to bolster rural incomes and counter farming distress in the agriculture-dependent state. It also raised objections to the 40% state contribution mandated under the VB-GRAM G scheme, calling it a burden on Punjab's finances and urging relief for better rural infrastructure rollout. Echoing broader state sentiments, Punjab supported continuing the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment with enhanced allocations. These demands reflect Punjab's push for equitable Centre-state resource sharing as budget talks progress.