AAP Government Announces ₹1,000 Monthly Aid Scheme For Punjab Women In Punjab

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday launched a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, even as opposition parties questioned the timing of the rollout and termed it an election-driven move ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The scheme, named “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana,” was inaugurated in the Chief Minister’s constituency of Dhuri in Sangrur district.

The initiative provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible women across the state, while women from Scheduled Caste categories will receive ₹1,500 monthly. According to the state government, nearly 40 lakh women have been registered under the scheme, making it one of the largest direct benefit transfer programmes targeting women in Punjab.

At the launch event, the government also transferred three months of assistance in advance, covering July, August, and September. Beneficiaries received ₹3,000, while Scheduled Caste women received ₹4,500 directly into their bank accounts through a dedicated web portal. Many recipients also received SMS notifications confirming the credit of funds.

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The state government said the scheme is part of its broader social welfare agenda aimed at women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. Officials stated that around 97 per cent of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the initiative, with an allocation of ₹9,300 crore earmarked in the state budget to sustain the programme.

The announcement was strongly defended by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with senior leader Manish Sisodia describing the scheme as a “transfer of trust” rather than just financial assistance. He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling key electoral promises made during the 2022 Assembly elections and ensuring long-term support for women.

However, opposition parties sharply criticised the timing and intent of the scheme. Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa alleged that the government had failed to deliver the promised monthly assistance for over four years and was now attempting to influence voters ahead of the 2027 polls. Similar criticism came from BJP leaders, who accused the government of offering a limited three-month payout as a politically timed gesture rather than consistent welfare delivery.

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