On a charged International Women’s Day, Punjab’s assembly witnessed history as Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema tabled the 2026-27 budget, spotlighting the ‘Mukhyamantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana’. This flagship program delivers monthly cash – ₹1,000 for general category, ₹1,500 for SC women – to 97% of adult females, direct bank transfers ensuring transparency.
₹9,300 crore earmarked from the ₹2,60,437 crore total budget underscores commitment, with exclusions limited to govt staff, ex-legislators, and tax filers. Existing pension beneficiaries qualify too, maximizing reach.
Cheema’s address highlighted AAP’s fulfilled pledges in power, education, health, weaving in this as the crowning women-centric vow. Special guests including CM Bhagwant Mann’s kin added emotional weight.
Projections show fiscal discipline: 2.06% revenue deficit, 4.08% overall. Cheema touted it as proof of prudent governance fueling welfare and growth. The scheme eyes economic autonomy, empowering women in decisions, nutrition, health, and sparking girls’ ambitions.
Jabbing neighbors, he noted their schemes’ narrow 20% coverage versus Punjab’s near-universal sweep. ‘No jumlas here; Mann serves every woman,’ he affirmed.
Evocative examples followed: daughters funding studies, women enjoying leisure guilt-free. Free bus scheme persists, its 12 crore journeys last year validating popularity.
This isn’t mere aid; it’s a societal shift. Punjab leads, challenging India to prioritize women boldly.