Mohali, March 18: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the Maavan Dhian Satkar Yojana. Under this scheme, women will receive a monthly aid of ₹1,000, with Scheduled Caste women receiving ₹1,500 directly in their bank accounts. The Chief Minister affirmed that the government has allocated ₹9,300 crore for this initiative, with the registration process set to commence on April 13.
The Chief Minister declared that economic empowerment is being driven through the formation of over 58,000 Self Help Groups, connecting nearly 5.89 lakh rural families. He maintained that the Pehal Startup Project has already launched more than 2,000 startups, creating thousands of jobs. Additionally, the state is setting up 1,000 dairy cooperative societies in collaboration with Verka to supply 85,000 liters of milk daily, providing a steady income stream for rural women.
Regarding social welfare, the Chief Minister stated that under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, 40 lakh families will receive ration kits containing essential items like pulses, oil, and sugar. He affirmed that this ₹900 crore allocation, alongside free electricity for 90% of households and cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, is designed to reduce the financial burden on homemakers. Mann asserted that these structural measures are turning women into a formidable economic force in the state.
The Chief Minister maintained that the revamp of the education sector is specifically aimed at providing quality learning to girls from weaker sections. He declared that Punjabi women should take inspiration from legendary figures like Mata Gujri ji and Mai Bhago to excel in diverse fields. By providing logistical support and fostering an environment of confidence, the government is ensuring that girls are no longer viewed as a weaker section but as strong, self-reliant contributors to the national economy, the Chief Minister concluded.
