Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has so far transferred ₹1,149 crore directly into the bank accounts of nearly 33 lakh women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system under the Chief Minister Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category have received ₹4,500 in three monthly installments of ₹1,500 each, while beneficiaries from other categories have been provided ₹3,000 in three monthly installments of ₹1,000 each.
With more than 70 lakh women registered, the scheme has emerged as one of Punjab’s largest women-focused social security initiatives.
Women Beneficiaries Praise Transparency of DBT
Sarabjit Kaur (32) from Gurdaspur said the DBT system has ensured that the financial assistance is used for its intended purpose.
“The Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has deposited the money directly into our bank accounts, and I am very happy about it. If the amount had been distributed in cash, it might not have been used properly. Now the money is safe in our own account and can be withdrawn whenever needed for household and essential expenses,” she said.
Gagandeep Kaur (35) from Harachowal described the scheme as one of the most transparent welfare initiatives she has experienced.
“I have not withdrawn the amount yet because I will use it only when required. The money reached my account within five to six days of applying. The entire process was fast, transparent and hassle-free,” she said.
Support for Household and Education Expenses
Suman Kumari (49) from Sri Hargobindpur said the assistance has helped her family meet important household and educational expenses.
“The best part is that the money comes directly into women’s accounts. I used it for meaningful purposes. My two daughters, who are pursuing higher education, have also benefited from the scheme. Along with this, our family is receiving free ration, free electricity and free bus travel, which has provided significant relief,” she said.
Harpal Kaur from Mandi Ahmedgarh said the scheme has enabled women to spend according to their own priorities.
“I used the money for household needs. My daughters also received the amount and are using it according to their requirements. Since the money has come directly into our bank accounts through DBT, we can withdraw it whenever necessary. The government has provided this assistance with good intentions, so it should be used for good purposes,” she said.
Government Committed to Timely Assistance
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur said the scheme was launched to provide economic security and dignity to women.
“We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be deprived of the benefits of the scheme,” the minister said.
Axis Bank Facilitating Large-Scale DBT Transfers
The successful implementation of the DBT system has also been supported by the scheme’s nodal banking partner, Axis Bank, which has facilitated large-scale fund transfers across Punjab.
Reynold D’Souza, Group Head (Branch Banking, North & Task Business) at Axis Bank, said:
“It is a matter of pride for Axis Bank to partner with the Punjab Government in implementing the Chief Minister Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana. We are committed to ensuring timely, transparent and effective distribution of assistance to beneficiaries. Such large-scale initiatives have the potential to strengthen economic security, promote financial inclusion and bring positive change to people’s lives.”
The Punjab Government maintains that the scheme is playing a significant role in enhancing women’s financial independence, improving access to banking services, and strengthening social security for lakhs of families across the state.
