People-centric Budget to open new avenues of growth for every section: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Major boost to women empowerment; ₹1000 per month financial assistance for women
Around 97% women to benefit — Punjab becomes first state to extend financial assistance to the largest number of women
Dr Baljit Kaur congratulates CM Bhagwant Mann and FM Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting people-friendly Budget
Chandigarh, March 8 (WISHAVWARTA);- Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, hailed the Budget presented in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, describing it as a progressive and people-centric budget focused on welfare and social security. She congratulated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting a budget aimed at strengthening social security and improving the lives of the common people.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has taken significant steps to empower women and ensure their financial independence. She informed that a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore has been made under the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dhian Satikar Yojana, under which women belonging to the general category will receive ₹1000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1500 per month as financial assistance. She termed this announcement, made on the occasion of International Women’s Day, as a historic step towards the economic and social empowerment of women.
She further stated that nearly 97 percent of eligible women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this scheme, making Punjab the first state in the country to provide financial assistance to the largest number of women. She said that the initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, enhance their participation in household decision-making, improve health and nutrition outcomes, and inspire girls to pursue higher education and dream bigger. She added that the scheme reflects the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to recognising women’s empowerment as the foundation of a strong and progressive society.
The Cabinet Minister further informed that ₹600 crore has been allocated to continue the free bus travel facility for women, which will provide major relief to lakhs of women who commute daily for work, education and other needs.
She said that for the financial year 2026-27, a budget of ₹6,150 crore has been earmarked for social security schemes, which will benefit more than 36 lakhs beneficiaries across the state. Additionally, ₹65 crore has been allocated under the Navi Disha Scheme to provide sanitary pads to needy women.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also stated that ₹360 crore has been earmarked for the Ashirwad Scheme, ₹261 crore for various scholarship programmes, and ₹75 crore under the Adarsh Gram Yojana, which will play an important role in the welfare of weaker sections and the development of rural areas.
She said that the Budget is not merely a financial document but a strong roadmap to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people of Punjab. Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that ensuring dignity, security and economic empowerment for women, the elderly, the poor and other vulnerable sections remains the top priority of the Punjab Government. She expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this people-centric Budget will bring meaningful change in the lives of citizens and further strengthen Punjab’s journey towards inclusive development and social justice.
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