In a significant decision impacting Punjab’s political and social welfare landscape, the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the ‘Chief Minister Mothers & Daughters Honour Scheme’, aimed at strengthening the financial independence of women across the state.
The approval marks a major step toward women’s empowerment, with the government stating that the scheme will directly benefit lakhs of women and provide them with stable financial assistance.
Under the scheme, women belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category will receive ₹1,500 per month, while all other eligible women will be granted ₹1,000 per month as an honorarium. The government claims that more than 97 percent of women in Punjab are expected to benefit, making it one of the largest women-centric welfare initiatives in the country.
According to information released by the Chief Minister’s Office, the scheme is designed not only to provide financial relief but also to promote self-reliance and empowerment among women. Beneficiaries will be able to manage household expenses, save money, and invest in their future.
A key feature of the initiative is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, through which funds will be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Multiple women from the same family will also be eligible to avail benefits, and existing pension beneficiaries will receive the scheme’s benefits in addition to their current pensions.
Regarding eligibility, women aged 18 years or above, registered as voters in Punjab and possessing Aadhaar and voter identification cards, will be able to apply for the scheme. The government plans to launch special registration drives in rural and backward areas to simplify the enrollment process.
To support implementation, the Punjab government has already allocated ₹9,300 crore in the 2026–27 state budget, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the initiative.
Apart from approving the scheme, the cabinet also cleared several administrative decisions, including the recruitment of 70 new posts in the Planning Department and amendments in eligibility conditions for senior-level appointments in PSPCL and PSTCL.
The move is being seen as a major welfare push by the Aam Aadmi Party government ahead of upcoming political challenges while reinforcing its commitment to women-focused policies.
