Chandigarh: Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur has said that the state government’s welfare initiatives are helping women achieve greater dignity, independence and participation in public life.
The minister was speaking during a discussion on the ‘Women Empowerment Resolution’ moved by MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora on the final day of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session.
Dr Baljit Kaur supported the resolution, saying it reflected the Assembly’s commitment to protecting women’s dignity, rights and equality.
Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana Benefits Over 65 Lakh Women
Highlighting the government’s women-focused welfare measures, Dr Baljit Kaur said the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has ushered in a new phase of women’s empowerment in Punjab.
According to the minister, more than 65 lakh women across the state are receiving financial assistance under the scheme.
She stressed that the initiative should not be viewed only as a financial support programme.
“The state government has gone beyond conventional welfare measures to create an enabling social environment where women are progressing in every sphere of life – education, employment, equal opportunities and self-confidence,” she said.
The minister added that the objective goes beyond providing ₹1,000 or ₹1,500 in financial assistance and focuses on strengthening women’s dignity and confidence.
Focus on Women’s Independence and Equal Opportunities
Dr Baljit Kaur said the Punjab government is working to create an environment in which women can participate equally in different areas of life.
The government’s approach focuses on:
- Women’s dignity and rights
- Financial support
- Education and employment
- Equal opportunities
- Mobility and participation in public life
- Self-confidence and independence
She said welfare programmes are being implemented with the broader objective of creating opportunities for women rather than limiting support to conventional financial assistance.
Free Bus Travel Boosting Women’s Mobility
The minister also highlighted the free bus travel facility for women as an important initiative supporting their mobility.
The scheme allows women to travel more easily and is aimed at improving their access to education, employment, public services and other opportunities.
Dr Baljit Kaur said initiatives that improve women’s mobility can contribute to greater participation in public and social life.
Elderly Women Included in CM Teerth Yatra Scheme
The minister also pointed to the participation of elderly women in the CM Teerth Yatra Scheme as another initiative supporting women’s social participation.
She said such programmes provide women, including elderly citizens, opportunities to participate in social and religious activities while benefiting from government-supported initiatives.
Government Promoting Self-Help Groups and Economic Opportunities
During the Assembly discussion, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond also highlighted government initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment.
He emphasised efforts to strengthen self-help groups and create new economic opportunities for women.
The focus on self-help groups is intended to encourage women’s participation in economic activities and help them build greater financial independence.
MLAs Highlight Women-Centric Government Initiatives
Several MLAs also participated in the discussion on the Women Empowerment Resolution and shared their views on the government’s initiatives.
Those who spoke included:
- Inderjit Kaur
- Jeevanjot Kaur
- Narinder Kaur Bharaj
- Sarbjit Kaur Manuke
The discussion centred on women’s rights, dignity, equality, welfare measures and greater participation in social and economic activities.
The Women Empowerment Resolution reflects the Punjab Assembly’s broader focus on strengthening measures aimed at improving the status and opportunities available to women across the state.
Read also: Punjab Cabinet Clears 3 Digital Open Universities, Moves to Curb Unreasonable Fee Hikes
