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Dhuri (Sangrur), July 1
Thousands of women across Punjab began receiving text messages on their phones on Wednesday confirming that money had been deposited into their bank accounts, as the state government formally launched its long-promised Mukh Mantri Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.
The scheme, one of the Aam Aadmi Party key election promises before the 2022 Assembly polls, provides a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to eligible women aged 18 years and above. Women belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category will receive ₹1,500 per month.
Launching the scheme in Dhuri, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the first instalment covering July, August and September had been released in a single payment. Eligible women received ₹3,000, while SC beneficiaries received ₹4,500 directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Mr Mann said more than 40 lakh women had already been registered under the scheme, with around 97% of women in Punjab expected to benefit. The state government has allocated ₹9,300 crore for the programme in this year’s Budget.
He described the initiative as a step towards strengthening women’s financial independence, saying the assistance was intended to provide dignity and support to families rather than simply cash transfers. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible for the scheme.
The launch marks the fulfilment of the AAP government’s final major election guarantee made ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who attended the event, said the programme reflected the government’s focus on combining welfare measures with investments in health and education. Sharing details, the government said women who have not yet enrolled can still register through designated government centres including Anganwadi Centres, Sewa Kendras, Municipal Council offices and Block offices. Registration is free and eligible applicants approved later will receive benefits from 1 July after verification.
Applicants are required to submit an Aadhaar card, Punjab voter ID, Aadhaar-linked bank account details, a passport-sized photograph and other supporting documents where applicable. Women from the Scheduled Caste category must also provide a valid caste certificate to receive the enhanced benefit.
