Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, attended a Lok Milni (public outreach meeting) at village Bihala in Hoshiarpur district, where he announced that the state's new welfare scheme 'Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana' — aimed at mothers and daughters — will be launched on 1 July. He also handed over a grant cheque of Rs 51 lakh to the village panchayat for local infrastructure development.

Context

Addressing a large gathering at Bihala, CM Mann expressed gratitude for the public's support, saying — translated from Punjabi — 'I am deeply indebted for the immense love and blessings received from the people who came during the Lok Milni. Your companionship reflects unwavering faith in our policies.' He described the state as now experiencing 'pure development,' citing a series of governance measures delivered by his administration since taking office in March 2022.

The Aam Aadmi Party government has held regular Lok Milni sessions across Punjab as a direct-engagement mechanism, allowing the Chief Minister and party leaders to interface with rural constituents and announce welfare measures in person.

Policy Backdrop

Mann highlighted four pillars of his government's record: 90 per cent of households receiving zero electricity bills, free medical treatment, a curb on fee exploitation by private schools, and merit-based government jobs. The free electricity benefit — covering up to 300 units of domestic consumption — was a flagship AAP election promise fulfilled after the party's 2022 assembly victory.

He also referenced the state's recently enacted anti-sacrilege law, which prescribes life imprisonment for acts of Beadbi (desecration of religious scriptures) — a measure that addressed a long-standing and politically sensitive demand in Punjab. The forthcoming Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana, he said, is the next step in this welfare trajectory, set to begin on 1 July 2026.

Stakeholders and Impact

The Rs 51 lakh grant handed to Bihala panchayat is earmarked for construction of a new Anganwadi centre and a community hall, directly benefiting rural residents of Hoshiarpur. Village-level infrastructure grants of this kind have become a recurring feature of the AAP government's outreach, positioning the state administration as directly responsive to grassroots needs.

The upcoming Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana is designed to benefit women and girls across Punjab, though detailed eligibility criteria and the full budget allocation for the scheme have not yet been officially disclosed. Women in rural Punjab, who have been vocal stakeholders in demanding both safety legislation and welfare support, are the primary intended beneficiaries.

What's Next

All eyes will be on the formal rollout of Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana on 1 July 2026, which is expected to come with a detailed policy announcement outlining beneficiary categories, financial entitlements, and delivery mechanisms. The scheme's launch will be a key test of the AAP government's ability to convert its welfare narrative into a structured, scalable programme ahead of future electoral cycles. Further village-level development grants and Lok Milni sessions across other Punjab districts are also anticipated in the coming weeks.