Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab’s welfare push gathers pace: Rs 4,683 cr released for Social Security Schemes
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 19, 2025: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has intensified its focus on the welfare of senior citizens, women, children and Persons with Disabilities during the Financial Year 2025–26.
This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Kaur said a budget provision of ₹6,175 crore was made under various social security schemes for FY 2025–26, out of which ₹4,683.94 crore has already been released up to November 2025 towards old age pensions and other financial assistance programmes. At present, 35.29 lakh beneficiaries are receiving continuous financial support across the state.
Highlighting child welfare initiatives, the Minister said Project JIWANJYOT has been launched to eradicate child begging, with enforcement drives conducted in all districts during the second week of every month.
Under Project JIWANJYOT 2.0, aimed at curbing child trafficking and identifying those forcing children into begging, 766 children have been rescued so far and provided education and rehabilitation support.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the government is taking strict measures to prevent child marriages. During 2025, 64 child marriages were successfully prevented with the assistance of 2,076 notified Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across Punjab.
She added that the safety of school-going children remains a priority. Under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, 2,385 school buses were inspected over the past four months, leading to 404 challans and the impounding of two buses for safety violations.
The Minister said Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce sign language interpretation during Vidhan Sabha proceedings, enabling persons with hearing and speech impairments to access legislative discussions. For this initiative, one sign language interpreter, 42 special educators and 48 translators have been empanelled.
Dr. Kaur further stated that free travel facilities are being provided to visually impaired persons, while Persons with Disabilities are entitled to travel at half fare. For FY 2025–26, ₹350 lakh has been allocated for this scheme, of which ₹3.45 crore has already been utilised.
She informed that One Stop Centres are functioning in all districts, offering free medical, legal, police assistance, counselling and temporary shelter to women affected by violence. Up to November 2025, 5,121 women have benefited from these services.
Free bus travel for women continues to be a major welfare initiative, benefiting nearly 1.20 crore women every month. An expenditure of ₹450 crore has been incurred under this scheme up to November 2025.
Through over 27,000 Anganwadi Centres, 3.68 crore sanitary pads have been distributed free of cost to 13.65 lakh women.
During the current financial year, ₹26.06 crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 69,110 pregnant women, with a target to cover 1.14 lakh beneficiaries.
The Minister also announced that five Working Women Hostels will be constructed in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, with completion targeted by 2026.
Concluding, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to strengthening social security, empowering women and ensuring inclusive development across the state.