The Punjab government has approved a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening the financial independence of women across the state. The Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, cleared the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, which will begin on April 1, 2026. The scheme was earlier announced in the state budget and is expected to cover more than 97 percent of women in Punjab, making it one of the largest women-focused social protection programs in the country.
Under the scheme, eligible women will receive monthly financial assistance directly in their bank accounts. Women from the general category will receive ₹1,000 every month, while women belonging to Scheduled Castes will receive ₹1,500 per month. The financial support will be transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer system to ensure transparency and quick payments without intermediaries.
Officials said the initiative is designed to empower women economically and help them manage daily household expenses more independently. The government has clarified that there will be no limit on the number of eligible women in a family who can receive benefits under the scheme. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will continue to receive their pensions along with the new assistance.
To qualify for the scheme, a woman must be at least 18 years old, registered as a voter in Punjab, and possess an Aadhaar card reflecting Punjab residency along with a valid voter ID issued by the Election Commission. The government plans to run extensive outreach campaigns across the state, particularly in rural areas, to help women complete the registration process, activate bank accounts, and submit the necessary documentation.
A total allocation of ₹9,300 crore has been made in the Punjab Budget for 2026–27 to implement the scheme. With such a large financial commitment, the government believes the program will significantly improve the economic security of women and strengthen their participation in household decision-making.
During the same Cabinet meeting, several other decisions were also approved. The government gave its approval to fill 70 direct recruitment posts in the Department of Planning. This decision comes as the state proceeds with the merger of the Economic Policy and Planning Board with the Directorate of Statistics.
The Cabinet also approved amendments related to the qualifications and experience required for appointing Chairman-cum-Managing Directors and Directors in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited.
Another important approval was granted for appointing statutory manpower and supporting staff on a contractual basis for the operation and maintenance of the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Jharkhand. An empowered committee will oversee recruitment decisions and extensions related to the project.
The Cabinet further approved amendments to the policy that allows conversion of leasehold industrial plots and sheds into freehold properties. Industrial plots mortgaged with banks or financial institutions will also be eligible for conversion, provided the owner submits a No Objection Certificate from the concerned bank and meets the prescribed safeguards. A conversion fee of five percent will apply where current title documents do not include a clause related to unearned increase.
In addition, the government approved the introduction of the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) Amendment Bill, 2026. The amendment aims to strengthen the functioning, transparency, and financial sustainability of Special Purpose Vehicles responsible for managing industrial areas across Punjab.
The Cabinet also relaxed certain conditions for desilting the Sutlej River, allowing simple earth extracted during the process to be supplied to the National Highways Authority of India for use in various highway construction projects in the state.
With the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the Punjab government hopes to create a stronger safety net for women while improving their financial independence and overall socio-economic status.
Summary: The Punjab Cabinet has approved the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, which will begin on April 1, 2026. The scheme will provide ₹1,000 per month to women and ₹1,500 per month to Scheduled Caste women through direct bank transfers. More than 97 percent of women in the state are expected to benefit, and the government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the 2026-27 budget for its implementation. The Cabinet also approved several administrative and infrastructure-related decisions during the meeting.