Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that eligible women in the state will begin receiving financial assistance under the “Mawan Dhiyaan Satkar Yojana” from July 1, with the amount to be transferred directly into their bank accounts.
Speaking during a television programme in Chandigarh, Mann said the government had completed most of the groundwork required for the implementation of the scheme and that the remaining formalities would be finalised shortly. He described the initiative as a major welfare measure aimed at providing financial support to women across the state.
The Chief Minister said women beneficiaries would receive monthly assistance ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 under the scheme. He added that nearly 80 per cent of the preparatory process had already been completed and the government was working to ensure timely disbursement of funds.
According to the proposed eligibility criteria, women above 18 years of age possessing valid voter identity and Aadhaar cards in Punjab will be eligible to apply. Beneficiaries will be required to furnish details such as their mobile number, bank account information and supporting documents during the registration process.
Government sources indicated that pensioners, women government employees and income-tax payers are unlikely to be covered under the scheme. However, the final eligibility norms and conditions will become clear only after the issuance of an official notification.
Mann further stated that women whose documentation or registration process is completed after July would also be entitled to benefits from the date the scheme comes into force, subject to eligibility.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister also responded to remarks made by former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh regarding political developments. Rejecting allegations related to Rajya Sabha nominations, Mann asserted that no monetary consideration had ever been involved in such appointments.
On the possibility of early Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said his party was prepared for any electoral challenge, maintaining that elections in Punjab are traditionally held in February but adding that his government would be ready even if they were advanced.
