Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of International Women’s Day and pledged to make women in the state self-reliant, hours ahead of presenting proposals for his AAP government’s fifth and final Budget.
“I salute every daughter and sister who, through their hard work and courage, is bringing glory to Punjab's name worldwide,” CM Mann wrote on X. He added that the state’s progress is only possible by walking shoulder to shoulder with women and promised that the upcoming Budget would include “major good news for mothers, sisters, and daughters.”
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema echoed the commitment, saying, “Their strength, resilience, and leadership inspire us every day. I feel proud to present my fifth Budget on this historic day, reaffirming our commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive development.”
Also Read: Rs 1,133 Crore Projects Launched in Ujjain by MP Chief Minister
A day earlier, CM Mann had announced a scheme to provide ₹1,000 per month to every woman in Punjab, with the necessary provisions to be included in the upcoming Budget. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly one crore women ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027. The Chief Minister made the announcement while laying the foundation stone for a ₹137-crore rural link road project in Khemkaran.
At a state-level International Women’s Day function at Punjab Agricultural University on Saturday, CM Mann highlighted government efforts to dismantle barriers that previously limited women’s participation in key sectors. He cited merit-based recruitment, where the majority of over 63,000 government jobs have been filled by women, the opening of firefighting services to female candidates, and the growing presence of women officers in top administrative positions.
CM Mann also encouraged young women to enter politics and take an active role in decision-making. He stressed that a stronger democracy and a more progressive Punjab can only be achieved when women play a central role in shaping public policy, governance, and leadership, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive development.
Also Read: Women Driving India Forward: PM Modi Praises Their Achievements