Chandigarh, March 8 (NationPress) Just hours before unveiling the proposals for the AAP government’s final Budget in the Assembly, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann offered his warm wishes in honor of International Women’s Day and pledged to empower women towards becoming fully self-sufficient.

“I commend every daughter and sister whose determination and labor are elevating Punjab's reputation across the globe,” stated CM Mann on X.

“The advancement of Punjab hinges on walking alongside women. We are devoted to ensuring your self-reliance, and today during the Budget session, we will also deliver significant news for mothers, sisters, and daughters.”

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema joined in, expressing, “The strength, resilience, and leadership of women inspire us daily. I take pride in presenting my fifth Budget on this historical occasion, reaffirming our dedication to empowering women and fostering inclusive development.”

On the previous day, CM Mann announced the impending launch of a program to provide every woman with Rs 1,000 monthly. “We will allocate the necessary resources in the upcoming budget, and every promise made to the populace will be honored,” he remarked at a public gathering after laying the cornerstone for a Rs 137 crore rural link road project in the border region of Khemkaran.

It is reported that the AAP government intends to introduce a provision of Rs 1,000 per month in the Budget, aimed at assisting nearly one crore women ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in early 2027.

In another event, CM Mann strongly encouraged young girls to emerge as equal partners in crafting the future of the state, emphasizing that Punjab cannot excel without the full involvement of women in governance, the economy, and politics.

During a state-level International Women’s Day event at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana on Saturday, the Chief Minister underscored the government's proactive approach to dismantling barriers that have historically excluded women from critical sectors.

He highlighted merit-based hiring, with a significant portion of the over 63,000 government positions filled by women, the inclusion of women in firefighting services after eliminating unrealistic barriers, and the increasing number of women in senior administrative roles.

CM Mann also called upon young women to pursue careers in politics and engage actively in decision-making processes, stressing that a robust democracy and a more progressive Punjab are only achievable when women play a pivotal role in shaping public policy and leadership.