Chandigarh, March 8 (NationPress) In a significant step towards fulfilling its electoral commitment to support women financially, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab proclaimed on Sunday a monthly aid of Rs 1,000 for women in the general category and Rs 1,500 for those from the Scheduled Caste (SC) under the Mukhya Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojana. This initiative aims to ensure that 97% of all adult women benefit from the scheme.

For this purpose, a substantial budget allocation of Rs 9,300 crore has been designated for the fiscal year 2026-27.

Presenting the Budget in the state Assembly on the occasion of International Women's Day, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema outlined a total budget expenditure of Rs 260,437 crore for the same period.

"The projected revenue deficit is estimated at 2.06% of the GSDP, while the fiscal deficit stands at 4.08% of the GSDP. These figures reaffirm our commitment to balancing responsible fiscal management with ongoing support for economic growth and public welfare," he stated.

To commemorate Women's Day, notable figures including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's mother, Harpal Kaur Mann, his wife Gurpreet Kaur Mann, Finance Minister Cheema's spouse Manjit Kaur, and state Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lalli Gill were present.

In his address delivered in Hindi, the Finance Minister highlighted that the government has systematically delivered on its electoral promises pertaining to electricity, healthcare, education, and social protection.

"On this momentous occasion of International Women’s Day, we are proud to announce the largest women empowerment initiative in India’s history. Guided by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision that a country's progress hinges on the progress of its women, I am delighted to introduce the 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna', under which the government will deposit Rs 1,000 monthly into the accounts of all adult women," Cheema announced.

Additionally, for SC women, the government will provide Rs 1,500 directly to their accounts.

This program is set to be not only India's but potentially the world's first universal cash transfer initiative for women.

"Every woman in Punjab over 18 years of age will be eligible, except for a few categories such as current or former permanent government employees, current and former MPs or MLAs, and income tax payers. Women receiving other social security pensions, including old-age or widow pensions, will also qualify for this scheme," the Finance Minister elaborated.

He noted that approximately 97% of adult women in Punjab will qualify for this scheme, the highest coverage in any Indian state.

"This initiative is designed to foster economic independence, enhance women's roles in household decision-making, improve health and nutrition, and inspire continued education and higher aspirations for girls," Finance Minister Cheema stated.

"We believe empowerment should translate into real financial security and dignity for women across Punjab," he added.

He criticized other states for announcing similar schemes that only serve a limited demographic of women, neglecting those who are financially reliant on men for basic needs.

As an example, he cited a neighboring state's scheme that only benefits households earning under Rs 1 lakh, reaching merely 20% of adult women. In contrast, Punjab aims to serve all women, not just a fraction. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is dedicated to the welfare of all women in Punjab.

"Whether it’s a college-going daughter needing books, a daughter preparing for competitive exams, or a grandmother wanting to buy a new toy, they will no longer have to rely on others for their expenses. Every month, Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,500 will be deposited directly into their bank accounts," Cheema explained.

Moreover, the government will maintain the free bus travel service for women throughout Punjab, which has proven essential for mobility and access. In the past year alone, approximately 12 crore free journeys were made by women under this initiative, demonstrating its acceptance and social impact.