The Punjab Cabinet, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, has officially approved the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna. This scheme is set to provide monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 to women, with an increased amount of Rs 1,500 for women belonging to Scheduled Castes. An estimated 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative, which was discussed in a Council of Ministers meeting led by the Chief Minister.

Empowerment and Financial Independence

This initiative aims to empower women by ensuring financial independence, offering them the opportunity to make personal choices and manage their own savings and investments. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, despite progress in social welfare, a significant number of women from economically vulnerable backgrounds still lack financial security. The initiative is designed to bolster women’s financial autonomy, which is deemed crucial for improving household welfare and enhancing gender equity.

Direct Benefit Transfer Mechanism

The newly introduced scheme will operate on a Direct Benefit Transfer basis, allowing funds to be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. There will be no limit on the number of eligible women per family able to access these benefits. Additionally, existing social security pensioners will continue to receive their current financial benefits alongside those provided by this new scheme, thereby broadening its reach.

Eligibility Criteria for Beneficiaries

Women aged 18 and above, who are registered voters in Punjab and possess a valid Aadhaar card reflecting their residency in the state, will be eligible to enroll as beneficiaries. Registration will be accessible to women equipped with a valid Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India.

Outreach and Enrollment Efforts

To ensure the effective implementation of the scheme, the government plans extensive outreach initiatives. These will include mobilization support for women to assist them with necessary documentation, activating bank accounts, and facilitating smooth registration, particularly in rural and underserved regions of Punjab.

Budget Allocations for the Initiative

A budget allocation of Rs 9,300 crore for the financial year 2026-27 has been sanctioned to support this initiative. The scheme is anticipated to be among the largest social welfare programs aimed at women in Punjab, representing a significant investment in the realm of women’s empowerment and social security.

Additional Cabinet Approvals

Aside from the new scheme, the Cabinet also approved the recruitment of 70 direct posts in the Department of Planning, marking the start of the merger between the Economic Policy and Planning Board and the Directorate of Statistics. Amendments were also made regarding the qualifications necessary for leadership positions in the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited. Furthermore, contract-based appointments for statutory manpower for the operation of the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Jharkhand were authorized.

Regulatory Reforms for Industrial Development

The Cabinet has also consented to amendments in policies governing the conversion of leasehold industrial plots to freehold status. This will allow industrial properties mortgaged to financial institutions to become eligible for conversion, provided they meet specific conditions. Alongside this, the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been introduced to enhance the management of industrial areas by addressing administrative challenges that have arisen over the years.

River Management and Infrastructure Initiatives

The Cabinet granted approval for relaxing desilting conditions in the River Sutlej to facilitate construction projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India. This measure is part of broader initiatives undertaken by the Department of Water Resources aimed at improving river management and mitigating flood risks throughout Punjab.

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