CHANDIGARH, November 9 — The Punjab government has broadened its welfare outreach through a mix of social, health and religious initiatives, allocating ₹693 crore for financial assistance to women in need, ₹100 crore for its pilgrimage scheme, and introducing free health insurance worth ₹10 lakh for every family.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the policies were designed to reflect Punjab’s “tradition of unity and equality” rather than religious or class divisions. “Our goal is to ensure that every citizen — regardless of faith or background — receives equal opportunities and dignity,” he said while addressing a gathering in Dhuri.
Under the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, senior citizens of all faiths are eligible for free travel to religious sites such as Amritsar Sahib, Haridwar, Vaishno Devi, Hemkunt Sahib, Patna Sahib and Ajmer Sharif. The scheme, launched in November 2023, has now entered its second phase with 16,000 devotees to be selected from each constituency.
Government data show ₹693 crore has been disbursed to support 6.65 lakh widows and destitute women. Officials described the initiative as an effort to strengthen social security and self-reliance among vulnerable groups.
The Mann government also said it is expanding its Aam Aadmi Clinic network — 881 clinics are functional, and 236 more are planned — alongside a new health insurance plan offering ₹10 lakh coverage per family. The health department said the universal scheme aims to protect low-income households from financial distress caused by medical expenses.
Officials added that the combined initiatives are part of a broader welfare model where “humanity and service take precedence over identity.”
Analysts say the government’s recent focus on faith-inclusive and social protection measures signals an attempt to balance cultural symbolism with practical welfare delivery.
