Punjab releases Rs 729 crore in financial aid to nearly 7 lakh widows, destitute women
₹1,300 crore allocated for assistance scheme in current financial year, says Minister Baljit Kaur
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 25, 2026: The Punjab government has released nearly ₹729 crore in financial assistance to around seven lakh widows and destitute women under its Financial Assistance Scheme, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Sunday.
The minister said the initiative aims to provide financial security to vulnerable women and help them lead lives with greater dignity and independence. She added that the state government has earmarked around ₹1,300 crore for the scheme during the current financial year.
Dr Baljit Kaur said timely financial assistance was intended to ease the economic difficulties faced by widows and destitute women and support their efforts to become more self-reliant.
Who Is Eligible for Assistance?
According to the minister, the scheme covers widows and destitute women below 58 years of age, along with unmarried women aged 30 years and above.
Applicants must be residents of Punjab, and their annual family income must not exceed ₹60,000 to qualify for assistance under the stated criteria.
The minister directed Social Security Department officials to identify eligible women proactively, process applications transparently and within prescribed timelines, and increase awareness of the scheme, particularly in rural and remote areas.
She also called upon Panchayats, elected representatives, Anganwadi workers and social organisations to help identify eligible beneficiaries and guide them through the application process.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the effectiveness of a welfare scheme should be assessed by whether its benefits reach those who need them. She reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to social security for vulnerable women across Punjab.