Punjab women to receive first Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna instalment on July 1: CM Mann
Fatehgarh Sahib, June 21
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the first instalment covering three months under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna will be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women above the age of 18 on July 1.
Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive Rs 4,500, while women from all other categories will get Rs 3,000.
Addressing a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Chanarthal Kalan village in the Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP government's commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security and social empowerment for women.
He said the assistance would continue uninterrupted as long as the government "remains in Punjab".
"After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts.
"Women belonging to the general category will receive Rs 1,000 per month, while Scheduled Caste women will receive Rs 1,500 per month. The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen.
"Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme.
"Nearly 97 per cent women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 9,300 crore for it," he said.
The Chief Minister said: "This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence.
"Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world.
"Strengthening women's financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women's participation in social and economic decision-making.
"When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward."
He said the government would not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India.
"I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states.
"However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected," he said.
The Chief Minister said his predecessors never met common people and used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature.
"On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me; it is my responsibility," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good scheme in principle but why give more to Dalit women? Should be equal for all women - Rs 1500 for everyone. Why create division based on caste? We are all sisters in Punjab. Also, what about the women above 60 who already get old age pension? Are they getting double benefit or will their pension be cut? Need clarity before celebrating. 🤔
My sister in Ropar is going to benefit from this. She is a single mother working as a farm labourer and this Rs 1000 per month will help her buy school supplies for my nephew. Mann ji is right - financial independence gives women confidence. But I hope the government also focuses on creating jobs for women, not just giving doles. Long-term solution needed, not just election-year announcements.
As an outsider looking at Punjab politics, this seems like a classic populist move before elections. Rs 9,300 crore is a huge budget allocation - where will the money come from? Punjab's economy is already in bad shape with debt. I hope this scheme is sustainable and not just adding to the state's fiscal problems. But if it genuinely helps women, then it's a good thing.
Waheguru, this is much needed! My mother in Moga village has to walk 2 km to get her pension every month because the bank post office is far. Now if this comes directly to her account, paaji that's a blessing. But I'm worried about the SIR process CM mentioned - BJP always tries to delete votes in Punjab. We need to stay vigilant and report any issues to the helpline numbers. Jai Punjab! 💪
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