Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Abohar, November 1: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the transfer of ₹1,291 crore as financial assistance to more than 37.43 lakh women under the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana. Addressing a public gathering in Abohar, Mann said that the government aims to bring one crore women under the scheme, with 80.05 lakh registrations already completed as of October 29, 2026.
The Chief Minister announced that the next instalment would be transferred on December 1, while eligible registered women would receive three months’ financial assistance together on January 1 as a New Year gift.
Mann described the scheme as a major step towards women’s financial independence and said that eligible women would receive benefits individually without household-based restrictions. Even if three eligible women belong to the same family, all three would be entitled to the benefit.
Total Assistance Reaches ₹3,934.80 Crore
According to the Chief Minister, the government had earlier distributed ₹2,643.71 crore among 76.35 lakh women. With the latest transfer of ₹1,291 crore, the total assistance under the scheme has reached ₹3,934.80 crore.
He said the scheme would involve an annual financial outlay of ₹12,000 crore once fully implemented.
Mann also highlighted the contribution of 1,37,723 Satkar Sakhis involved in facilitating registrations. The government will provide ₹51.30 crore as incentives to Satkar Sakhis and ₹25 crore to Anganwadi workers engaged in the registration process.
Mann Targets Opposition Parties
Taking aim at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and BJP, Mann accused opposition parties of criticising welfare initiatives for political reasons. He said women from opposition leaders’ families were also benefiting from the scheme.
He alleged that previous governments had failed to ensure balanced development in Abohar and other parts of Punjab. Mann expressed confidence that the Aam Aadmi Party would return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Over 70,000 Government Jobs Provided
The Chief Minister said his government had provided 70,685 government jobs strictly on merit, without corruption, favouritism or political recommendations.
He also highlighted other government initiatives, including:
* 54 lakh health cards issued under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
* Free electricity of up to 300 units per month for around 90% of households.
* Toll plazas closed, resulting in claimed daily savings of ₹70 lakh for commuters.
* Construction of 3,100 sports stadiums to engage youth in sports.
* Development and renovation of 45,000 kilometres of roads.
Canal Irrigation Reaches 60.30 Lakh Acres
Mann said canal irrigation coverage in Punjab had increased from 26% to 80% during his government’s tenure.
He said canal water was now reaching 60.30 lakh acres, compared with 20.89 lakh acres in 2022. The government has spent ₹7,200 crore on expanding canal irrigation, while water has reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had never received canal water earlier.
Government School Students’ NEET Success Increases
Highlighting improvements in education, Mann claimed that the number of government school students qualifying for NEET had increased from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.
He attributed the improvement to teacher training programmes, Schools of Eminence and other education reforms.
The Chief Minister said the government was focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure and public welfare, adding that public money was being spent on facilities that directly benefit people.
