Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab transfers Rs 1,147 crore to nearly 33 lakh women under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana; Over 66 lakh registered
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 11, 2026: The Punjab Government has transferred ₹1,147 crore directly into the bank accounts of nearly 33 lakh women under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, marking the completion of the scheme's first payment cycle through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
According to the government, beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category received ₹4,500 each, covering three monthly instalments of ₹1,500, while women from all other eligible categories received ₹3,000 each, comprising three monthly instalments of ₹1,000.
The payments have been released to beneficiaries whose registrations were completed by June 25, 2026. The state government said registrations are still underway, with more than 66 lakh women enrolled so far. Those registering now will be included in the next payment cycle.
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the successful rollout reflects the government's commitment to ensuring financial assistance reaches eligible women directly and transparently.
"The Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been launched to provide financial security and dignity to women. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out," she said.
The minister also clarified that the scheme is in addition to existing welfare benefits, and women already receiving widow, disability or old-age pensions will continue to receive those benefits separately.
Beneficiaries Share Stories of Financial Empowerment
For many women, the first instalment represented more than financial assistance—it marked their first experience of receiving money directly into their personal bank accounts.
Kuldeep Kaur of Mustaba Jatta village in Gurdaspur said receiving ₹4,500 was an emotional moment.
"I have never earned money in my life. When I received the SMS confirming the payment, I felt immense joy. This has given me a sense of self-respect," she said, adding that the assistance has improved her confidence and status within her family.
Harmeet Kaur, a resident of Ghummankalan village, said she plans to use the money for household expenses and personal needs.
"I am also earning now," she said, adding that the scheme sends a strong message that daughters are an asset to every family.
Kiran, a widow from Dhuri in Sangrur district, described the assistance as a lifeline.
"I am a widow and there is no earning member in my family. This amount is a great support for me," she said.
Reeta, a daily wage labourer from Gurdaspur district, said she learned about the scheme through her local Anganwadi Centre and completed her registration with their assistance.
Holding up the SMS confirming the credit, she said emotionally, "Mobile di toon-toon ne sadi zindagi bana deeti" ("The notification tone on my mobile has changed our lives").
The Punjab Government said the scheme aims to strengthen women's financial independence by providing direct cash assistance while ensuring transparency through the DBT mechanism. With registrations continuing across the state, officials said more eligible women will be covered in the upcoming payment cycles.