CHANDIGARH, November 9 — The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has announced a series of welfare measures spanning social security, religious inclusivity, and healthcare, saying the focus is on “service to humanity” rather than faith.
Officials said the state has released ₹693 crore in financial aid benefiting over 6.65 lakh widows and destitute women, raised the budget for the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme to ₹100 crore, and extended health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family across Punjab.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while launching the second phase of the pilgrimage scheme in Dhuri, said the government’s approach is guided by equality. “This scheme is open to people of all religions and income groups. We want to ensure that every person has the right to faith and dignity,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, first launched in November 2023, provides free travel for senior citizens of all religions to their respective holy places — including Amritsar Sahib, Haridwar, Vaishno Devi, Patna Sahib, Hemkunt Sahib, and Ajmer Sharif. Each assembly constituency will select 16,000 beneficiaries for the next round of travel.
Officials said the initiative aims to promote communal harmony by offering equal access to all faiths. “Religions may differ, but the sentiment of devotion is shared,” an official said.
The Mann government also noted its healthcare initiatives, noting that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics — 565 in rural areas and 316 in urban locations — are already functional, with 236 more expected to open soon. “The expansion of these clinics ensures treatment for all, without discrimination,” a senior health official said.
The new universal health insurance plan promises coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for every household, irrespective of caste, religion, or income. “No family should have to sell property or jewelry to afford treatment,” the Chief Minister said earlier this week.
Officials said these programs are intended to create a model of equitable governance where dignity, health and opportunity are guaranteed for all citizens.
