Chandigarh: In a major step towards women empowerment, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’, providing monthly financial assistance to women across the state.
Under the scheme, Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month, while women from other categories will get ₹1,000 per month. The initiative is expected to benefit over 97% of women in Punjab, making it one of the largest women-centric welfare schemes in the state.
Direct Financial Support to Empower Women
The scheme aims to strengthen financial independence among women by ensuring direct benefit transfers (DBT) into their bank accounts.
According to the government, the initiative will:
- Help women manage household expenses
- Encourage savings and financial planning
- Improve participation in socio-economic decision-making
Importantly, multiple eligible women from the same family can avail benefits, and existing social security pension beneficiaries will receive this amount in addition to their pensions.
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Eligibility Criteria and Coverage
Women aged 18 years and above, registered as voters in Punjab and holding valid Aadhaar and voter ID, will be eligible for the scheme.
The state government will ensure wide outreach and easy registration, especially for women in rural and economically weaker sections, including support for documentation and bank account activation.
₹9,300 Crore Allocated for FY 2026-27
To implement the scheme at scale, the Punjab government has already allocated ₹9,300 crore in the 2026-27 budget.
Officials said the initiative is designed to improve family welfare, gender equality, and financial security, especially for economically weaker households.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
Along with the flagship women welfare scheme, the Punjab Cabinet took several important decisions:
Recruitment and Administrative Reforms
- Approval for 70 direct recruitment posts in the Planning Department
- Amendments in recruitment rules for top posts in PSPCL and PSTCL
Industrial and Infrastructure Boost
- Policy changes to convert leasehold industrial plots into freehold
- Approval to introduce the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Amendment) Bill 2026 for better management of industrial areas
Energy and Mining Initiatives
- Approval for hiring manpower for Pachhwara coal mine in Jharkhand
- Formation of a committee to oversee operations and staffing
River Management and Highway Projects
- Relaxation in norms for desilting the Sutlej river to support infrastructure projects, including those by NHAI
Towards a ‘Rangla Punjab’ Vision
The state government stated that these decisions are part of its broader vision to build a “Rangla Punjab” (vibrant Punjab) through inclusive growth, welfare schemes, and infrastructure development.
The Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana is expected to play a transformative role in empowering women financially and socially, reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive development and social security.
