"Biggest initiative in Punjab's history": Arvind Kejriwal lauds Punjab govt rolling out monthly aid for women
New Delhi, March 8
Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal lauded the announcements of the women-centric financial assistance schemes of the Punjab government, terming it the "biggest" initiative in the state's history with regard to women empowerment.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said that the AAP government in Punjab is fulfilling every announcement it made to the people here.
"On the occasion of International Women's Day today, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has fulfilled its biggest guarantee. Today, in the budget, an announcement has been made to give Rs 1000 to every woman every month and Rs 1500 to every woman from the SC community--this is the biggest initiative in Punjab's history for the respect and empowerment of women. We have fulfilled every guarantee we gave to the people of Punjab, and we will continue to do so in the future as well. Very soon, this amount will start getting credited to the accounts of our mothers and sisters. Salute to the women's power of Punjab and heaps of best wishes," he said.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday presented the fifth state budget in the assembly, coinciding with International Women's Day and said that the government has focused on every section of society in the last four years.
Before presenting the Budget, Minister Cheema congratulated the women on International Women's Day and boasted that AAP is the "first government" to present a budget on Women's Day.
"First of all, on International Women's Day, I congratulate all my mothers, sisters and children on behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party. Today, the historic budget of Punjab, which is being presented on Women's Day, is a great honour for women. To date, no party, no government has presented a budget on Women's Day. For the last four consecutive years, the Punjab government has worked for every section...," Cheema told reporters here.
Punjab Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa lashed out at the AAP-led Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Singh government for allegedly backtracking on the poll promises.
He further claimed that the government will announce financial aid, keeping in view the elections.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the intent is good, I'm skeptical. Where is the money coming from? Punjab's finances are already stressed. This feels like an election-year freebie. Let's see if the scheme is sustainable or just another jumla.
Interesting to see direct cash transfers becoming a key policy tool in India. The tiered amount for SC women addresses historical inequity. The challenge will be in seamless implementation and ensuring it reaches the intended beneficiaries without corruption.
Bhagwant Mann government is actually delivering on promises! From free electricity to this, they are putting money back in the hands of common people. This 1000 rupees will mean a lot in villages. Waah! 🙌
Respectfully, I have to disagree with calling it the "biggest" initiative. True empowerment comes from quality education, safe public spaces, and job opportunities, not just monthly doles. This is helpful, but let's not confuse welfare with empowerment.
Presenting the budget on Women's Day is a nice symbolic gesture. Hope the actual implementation is as smooth. My bua (aunt) is a widow and lives alone, this kind of support can give her some much-needed financial independence.
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