Chandigarh, April 14: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the implementation of a landmark women-centric welfare scheme on Tuesday, ensuring direct economic support for nearly all adult women in Punjab. Under the ‘Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’, the state government will begin disbursing monthly payments ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 starting this July, focusing on strengthening the financial autonomy of economically vulnerable households.
The rollout, launched from Adampur, targets women aged 18 and above. The Chief Minister affirmed that while Dalit women will receive the higher bracket of ₹1,500, those currently without a caste certificate can still register for the ₹1,000 benefit immediately, with arrears paid once their documentation is finalized.
“Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare and promoting gender equity,” Mann asserted during the launch event. He maintained that the simplicity of the registration process—requiring only three basic documents—is intended to eliminate bureaucratic barriers.
The government has mobilized a massive outreach network, including “Mahila Satkar Sakhis” who will visit homes to assist with form filling and bank account opening. Mann stated that the pilot phase is active in nine constituencies, including Patiala Rural, Moga, and Sri Anandpur Sahib, before a state-wide expansion next month. He affirmed that the state budget has already secured the necessary funds for the 2026-27 fiscal year to support this expansive protection initiative.
During the event, beneficiaries stated that the initiative marks the first time a state administration has provided such comprehensive independent financial security. Cabinet ministers and senior officials maintained that the scheme is poised to become one of the largest direct-benefit transfer programs for women in the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to tangible empowerment.
