Punjab CM transfers monthly assistance to 35.5 lakh women
Pathankot, Aug 1
The Punjab government on Saturday transferred the monthly financial assistance to 35.5 lakh women under the 'Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna', taking the total number of beneficiaries to 68.5 lakh.
At the financial assistance distribution function here, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said women across Punjab are receiving Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,500 as three months' instalments together under the scheme, while women receiving widow, disability and old-age pensions are also getting an additional Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,500 for the first time.
The Chief Minister said another 5 lakh women have registered under the scheme in the last seven days, taking the total registrations to 73.5 lakh, with registrations continuing across the state for eligible beneficiaries.
Addressing the function, CM Mann said he had fulfilled all the promises and guarantees made to the people of the state. "Now, I have fulfilled my promise made to the mothers and sisters of the state. This is your money, and you don't need to ask anyone before spending it or using it. In July this year, I gave this bonanza to 33 lakh mothers, and today 35.5 lakh more mothers are getting the money. Another 5 lakh women have registered under the scheme during the last seven days," he said.
The Chief Minister recalled an interaction before the function. "A sister tied Rakhi to me while I was coming here and said that my brother will give me Shagun today. All the leaders of our party were common people, but I was made the Chief Minister by the people of the state. As I am interacting with you here, the money must have already been credited to the accounts of the beneficiaries," he said.
CM Mann said beneficiaries were already receiving notifications on their mobile phones confirming the transfer of funds.
"I had directed the officers to ensure that the money is credited into the accounts of the beneficiaries. The notifications are already coming on the phones of the beneficiaries. I have fulfilled all the promises and guarantees that I had made to the people. I only say what can be done and nothing else," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in rural Punjab, I can confirm this scheme is making a real difference. The widows and elderly women who used to depend on others for even small expenses now have their own money. The additional Rs 1,000 for pension holders is a thoughtful touch. Though I wish the verification process was faster for the remaining 5 lakh registrations.
The Rakhi anecdote was heartwarming! It shows how these schemes aren't just about money - they're about dignity and respect. The CM calling them "mothers and sisters" and treating them as family is the kind of leadership we need. My bhabhi in Jalandhar got her notification within minutes! 🎉
Good initiative, but I hope the government is also ensuring this doesn't create a culture of dependency. The real win would be to pair this financial aid with skill development programs so women can eventually become self-reliant. Otherwise, this becomes just another election promise cycle. Constructive criticism, not against the scheme itself.
Reminds me of similar direct benefit transfer programs in the US, but this seems to have better outreach with the mobile notifications and door-to-door registration. Impressive that they're reaching 68.5 lakh beneficiaries and counting. Transparency in governance is something we could learn from in some places! 🇮🇳
My grandmother received her pension plus the extra Rs 1,500 today - she couldn't stop smiling! She said for the first time she can buy her own medicines without asking my father. These small moments of independence matter so much for our elders.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.