About The Punjab Plan 2026
Punjab today confronts not merely a crisis of capacity, but a deeper crisis of coherence. Over the past decade, the state has witnessed repeated mobilisations—distinct in form yet convergent in substance—signalling a structural disconnect between governance frameworks and lived socio-economic realities.
Rising unemployment, declining agricultural viability, labour migration, and a narrowing demographic window have compounded these challenges. Yet public discourse remains fragmented, reactive, and electorally short-term, leaving Punjab without a credible long-range developmental vision.
Where
Chandigarh, Punjab, India
When
11 March 2026, Tuesday
It is against this backdrop that PANJ Foundation presents The Punjab Plan 2026—a policy and governance summit bringing together policymakers, academics, administrators, media leaders, and civil society actors to co-produce an evidence-based roadmap for Punjab’s future.
The summit seeks to reclaim narrative agency for the state, situating Punjab as a central contributor to India’s economic, social, and democratic renewal.
Programme Schedule
Registration & Check-in
Opening Remarks
Opening Keynote Address
Theme: Punjab, People, and Policy in a New Age
Panel I · Making State Leadership More Authentic in Punjab
Report Launch · Lessons for Punjab’s Course Correction
Lunch Break
Panel II · Leadership for Public Value in Public Service Delivery
Panel III · Media and the Moderation of Dissent
Closing Keynote Address
Theme: Navigating Socio-economic Change in a New Demography
Closing Remarks
Our Speakers
Harsimrat Kaur Badal
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Manish Tewari
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Shekhar Gupta
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ThePrint
B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog
Jyoti Malhotra
Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune
ABOUT THE ORGANISER
Policy Advisory and Network for Joint Progress (PANJ)
Policy Advisory and Network for Joint Progress (PANJ) Foundation is a non-partisan, independent research think tank based in Punjab, India. Established in February 2024, PANJ is registered as a not-for-profit organisation under Section 8 of the Companies Act and holds provisional 80G and 12AA certifications.
PANJ works to generate research-based policy inputs and advisory support aimed at strengthening institutions and improving socio-economic outcomes in Punjab. Grounded in a deep understanding of the state’s political, economic, and social context, the organisation focuses on addressing long-term structural challenges rather than short-term policy responses.
Through rigorous research, institutional analysis, and stakeholder engagement, PANJ aims to inform evidence-based reforms that contribute to sustainable development, effective governance, and enhanced public service delivery in Punjab.
PANJ operates at the intersection of research, governance, and public discourse. Its work is anchored in three core verticals—policy research, legislative support, and policy advocacy—designed to bridge gaps between evidence, institutions, and decision-making.
As the organiser of The Punjab Plan 2026, PANJ brings together policymakers, academics, administrators, media professionals, and civil society actors to collaboratively shape a credible long-term roadmap for Punjab’s development.
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Get Your Passes Now!
The Punjab Plan 2026 is conceived as a focused policy and governance dialogue bringing together policymakers, academics, administrators, media professionals, and civil society leaders. Participation is open to individuals committed to evidence-based discussion and constructive engagement on Punjab’s long-term development.
Interested participants may register their intent to attend. Confirmations and further details will be shared closer to the event date.