Punjab Assembly unanimously passes resolution to continue welfare schemes
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 27, 2026: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution affirming the continuation of public welfare schemes and financial benefits introduced by the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said.
Moving the resolution in the House, Cheema said the schemes, covering women’s financial assistance, free electricity, healthcare, pensions and other benefits, would continue for all eligible beneficiaries. He maintained that public welfare spending was not a waste of money but a means of providing financial relief and dignity to families.
Cheema said more than 80 lakh women had registered under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, which provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible beneficiaries and ₹1,500 per month to eligible Scheduled Caste women.
He also highlighted the provision of 300 units of free domestic electricity per month, free electricity for agricultural tube-wells, and health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
The Finance Minister cited other schemes, including free bus travel for women, social security pensions of ₹1,500 per month, the Ashirwad Scheme for eligible daughters’ marriages, the Meri Rasoi Yojana and the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana.
The resolution also called for adequate budgetary allocations to ensure the timely funding and delivery of these benefits.
Resolution Targets Opposition Over Welfare Schemes
According to the resolution, the Assembly expressed concern over statements attributed to leaders of the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal advocating the withdrawal of certain welfare schemes. It also criticised the BJP’s opposition to direct public assistance.
Cheema challenged the opposition parties to clarify their positions on the schemes, arguing that withdrawing benefits would affect household spending on essential needs, including food, healthcare and education.
The resolution stated that all listed welfare schemes and other public assistance programmes introduced by the state government should continue, with benefits protected for eligible recipients.
It further called on the Punjab Government to make adequate provisions for the schemes in every annual budget and ensure uninterrupted delivery of benefits.
The resolution was passed unanimously, according to the government’s statement.