Mann Govt fulfills promise: General category women to get Rs 1000 per month, SC women Rs 1500; Conditions apply; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 8, 2026:The Punjab government on Saturday announced a major financial support scheme for women while presenting the Budget 2026–27 in the Punjab Assembly. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled the initiative on International Women’s Day, allocating ₹9,300 crore to provide direct monthly financial assistance to women across the state.
Under the scheme, women from the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category will receive ₹1,500 per month. The initiative aims to enhance women’s financial independence and increase their involvement in household decision-making.
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The government said the programme, introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, could become one of the largest universal cash transfer schemes for women, covering around 97 percent of adult women in Punjab. Officials noted that similar schemes in other states typically cover only about 20 percent of women.
All women aged 18 years and above in Punjab will be eligible to register for the scheme. Women already receiving old-age, widow, or disability pensions will also be able to benefit from the programme.
Certain categories have been excluded from the scheme, including:
- Current or former government employees
- Current or former Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
- Income-tax paying women
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Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the initiative is aimed at empowering women and strengthening their self-respect by ensuring they have money for personal expenses, health and nutrition without depending on others.
However, the government has not yet announced the exact date from which the monthly payments will begin.