Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Thousands of women across Punjab have started receiving the first instalments under the Punjab Government's Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, with beneficiaries describing the scheme as more than just financial assistance. While many women have already received the money in their bank accounts, others are awaiting the transfer.
For many recipients, the payment marks an opportunity to fulfil long-delayed aspirations, support their children's education, improve their health and enjoy the dignity of having money deposited directly into their own bank accounts.
Gagandeep Kaur (40), a resident of Adalatpur village, said she received ₹3,000 and plans to spend every rupee on her son. "I haven't used the money yet because I want to fulfil my son's wishes. His happiness is my happiness," she said.
Soma, a domestic worker from Ichchewala village, received ₹4,500 and called the scheme a source of financial security and self-respect. She said direct bank transfers ensure the money remains under women's control. Battling low haemoglobin, Soma plans to buy nutritious food, including beetroot, nuts and even dragon fruit, which she said she had only seen on television until now.
With her daughter, who has recently completed Class XII and enrolled in college, also covered under the scheme, the family expects to receive ₹6,000 every quarter. Soma said the money will help purchase clothes, books and other essentials for her daughter's education, especially as her husband is unemployed.
Soma, along with her sisters-in-law Ritu and Zeena, celebrated after receiving SMS notifications confirming the transfers. Together, the three women in their joint family received ₹13,500, which they plan to use for pressing household expenses.
For Renu (53), a homemaker from Sunam, the payment represents financial independence. She said she intends to use the money to buy sweets, fruits and snacks and invite her two married daughters home for a family gathering.
Savita (47), whose husband has been unable to work following a serious heart ailment, plans to save part of the assistance. She said she would deposit ₹1,000 every month into a post office savings scheme, while her daughter would use her share for personal expenses.
Jasbir Kaur, a domestic worker in Bathinda, said she hopes to update her application with a Scheduled Caste certificate to receive the higher benefit. She plans to use the assistance to support her daughter's admission to the first year of a Bachelor of Arts programme.
In Gurdaspur, Raj (55) has already withdrawn part of her ₹3,000 payment for medicines. She said the assistance would help cover treatment costs and reduce her dependence on others for healthcare expenses.
Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana fulfils one of the Aam Aadmi Party's key election promises made ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. The experiences shared by beneficiaries indicate that, beyond its monetary value, the scheme is providing women with greater financial autonomy while helping them meet essential needs such as education, healthcare, savings and family welfare.
