In Chandigarh, March 8, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab announced a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for women in the general category and Rs 1,500 for Scheduled Caste (SC) women under the Mukhya Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojana, fulfilling one of its key election promises. This initiative aims to enable 97% of all adult women in Punjab to benefit from the scheme.
To achieve this, the government has allocated Rs 9,300 crore in the 2026-27 budget.
During International Women's Day, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema presented the budget, proposing a total expenditure of Rs 260,437 crore for 2026-27.
He stated that the effective revenue deficit is estimated at 2.06% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and the fiscal deficit at 4.08% of GSDP. This indicates a commitment to responsible fiscal management and sustained support for economic growth and public welfare.
The Assembly was also attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's mother, Harpal Kaur Mann, his wife, Gurpreet Kaur Mann, Finance Minister Cheema's wife, Manjit Kaur, and the state Women Commission Chairperson, Raj Lalli Gill, among others.
In his speech, Minister Cheema highlighted that the government has fulfilled its promises regarding electricity, healthcare, education, and social protection.
He announced the launch of the "Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana," under which the government will directly transfer Rs 1,000 per month to the accounts of all adult women, and Rs 1,500 per month to SC women.
This scheme is designed to be the first of its kind in India, providing universal cash transfers to women.
Eligible women include all adult women over 18 years of age, except those who are currently or previously permanent government employees, members of Parliament or state legislatures, or taxpayers. Existing beneficiaries of social security pension schemes, such as old-age pensions, widow pensions, or disability pensions, are also eligible.
He stated that approximately 97% of all adult women in Punjab will be eligible for this scheme, making it the highest percentage in the country.
Cheema emphasized that the initiative aims to promote economic independence, strengthen women's role in household decision-making, improve health and nutritional outcomes, and encourage continued education and higher aspirations among girls.
He asserted that this empowerment must translate into tangible financial security and greater dignity for women across Punjab.
Cheema acknowledged that many states have announced similar schemes but limited them to a small section of women, while Punjab will ensure that all adult women are covered.
He explained that this will allow women to access funds for various needs, such as purchasing books, educational materials, or entertainment, without having to seek financial assistance from their families.
In addition to this direct financial support, the government will continue to provide free bus travel for women across Punjab, which has proven to be a vital instrument for mobility and access.
Cheema stated that approximately 12 crore free journeys have been undertaken by women under this initiative in the last year, reflecting its wide acceptance and social impact.
