Bhagwant Mann Govt's Raksha Bandhan Gift For Sisters; ‘Sanman Rashi’ To Be Credited To Accounts Of Those Completing New Registrations

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PATIALA; 24th August 2026:

Turning Raksha Bandhan into a festival of dignity and empowerment for Punjab’s mothers and sisters, the Bhagwant Mann Government will credit the ‘Sanman Rashi’ under the ‘Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana’ into the bank accounts of women completing their new registrations on the occasion of the sacred festival on August 28. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the gesture reflects the government’s commitment to honouring women not merely with words but with tangible financial support, as more than 75 lakh women have already registered under the Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna and ₹2,274.42 crore has been transferred directly to eligible beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister pointed out that alongside women’s empowerment, the government is delivering on its promises through free electricity, canal water, quality healthcare and education, using people’s money for people’s welfare to build a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, 509 new splendid playgrounds for the entire Punjab were dedicated to the public at Dhedhna village in Patiala. We are continuously working to save the youth from drugs and to make Punjab once again a leader in sports. Along with this, on the occasion of the sacred festival of Rakhi on the 28th, a token amount of respect will also be deposited as shagun in the accounts of mothers and sisters. Through free electricity, canal water, quality health facilities, and good education, we are fulfilling every promise made to the people and creating a 'Rangla Punjab'.”

Addressing a gathering in Patiala, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In recognition of the dignity and respect of women, the Punjab Government has launched the ‘Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’. More than 75 lakh women have registered under the scheme so far and, as of August 1, 2026, financial assistance worth ₹2,274.42 crore has been deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters can help us overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making. Our government is committed to the well-being and empowerment of women and no stone will be left unturned for it.”

He noted that women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years are receiving notifications on their mobile phones regarding financial assistance of ₹1,000 for every woman and ₹1,500 for SC women. “The amount is being transferred directly into their bank accounts and 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the scheme. The Punjab government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the budget for the initiative. Financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly provide them with dignity and self-respect. I appeal to all the remaining eligible women to get themselves registered and avail the benefits of the Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna,” he said.

Taking a dig at the infighting in the Congress party, he said, “They are fighting amongst themselves for power, but we are fighting for the people of Punjab. Our fight is for quality education, good health, better roads and welfare schemes. We do not fight among ourselves; we are making tireless efforts to make Rangla Punjab. For the sake of power, Congress leaders do not even see eye to eye with each other.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also criticised the Akali Dal over its past tenure in Punjab. He said that the people of Punjab have not forgotten how the state’s wealth was plundered and how drugs spread among the youth during the Akali rule. “Akali leaders have always been concerned about their own interests rather than the interests of Punjab and Punjabis. Even if the Prime Minister makes a call enquiring about their health, they start dreaming about an alliance with Delhi to loot Punjab. AAP is committed only to Punjab and its people,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the AAP government is optimally utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the welfare of the people. “More than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free power and farmers are now getting electricity during the daytime, which he described as an unprecedented development. People’s tax money belongs to the people. We are spending it judiciously for their welfare. People’s money is coming back to people through development, schools, hospitals and roads. Every single penny of the state exchequer is being utilised for improving the lives of the people,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the ambitious Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. He said that Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage and that the initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare. “This historic scheme is aimed at providing universal healthcare to every family of Punjab. People have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹1,044 crore under the scheme. No family should have to worry about losing its savings because of the cost of medical treatment, and this is why our government has made healthcare a priority,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that education has been prioritised by the AAP government and several path-breaking initiatives have been undertaken to transform the education sector. “No freebie or concession card can permanently eliminate poverty or social maladies and that education is the key to breaking this vicious cycle. Education is the only key that can pull people out of the vicious circle of poverty by raising their standard of living. This is why our government is tirelessly working to improve the standard of education and empower the common man. We want every child of Punjab to get quality education and have the opportunity to build a better future,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that Punjab has surpassed Kerala and other states in the field of education, attributing the improvement to sustained efforts by the state government, including teacher training programmes, Schools of Eminence and other initiatives aimed at strengthening government schools.

Highlighting the transformation in government school education, the Chief Minister said, “In 2021, only 80 students of government schools had cleared the coveted NEET examination. This year, in 2026, the number has gone up nearly 11 times to 882. This is the difference our governance has made. Those who never bothered about government schools and education cannot understand this transformation,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP government will continue to invest in education, healthcare, sports and welfare programmes so that every section of society gets equal opportunities to progress and Punjab emerges as a healthy, educated, prosperous and drug-free state.