Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Thursday said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring social security and financial support for widows and destitute women across the state.
The Minister said that the government’s objective is not only to provide economic assistance but also to help women live with dignity, confidence and self-reliance. She stated that under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Widows and Destitute Women, nearly ₹624 crore has been released during the current financial year 2026-27, benefiting more than seven lakh women through regular financial assistance.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Punjab Government has made a budget provision of over ₹1,200 crore for the scheme in the current financial year. She said the allocation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the social security network and ensuring timely and hassle-free delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
Highlighting the significance of the scheme, the Minister said that every beneficiary represents a story of courage and resilience. She added that the government’s vision goes beyond providing monthly financial assistance and focuses on creating a dependable support system that helps widows and destitute women become economically stronger and lead a dignified life.
Dr. Baljit Kaur directed department officials to launch special awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to ensure that information about the scheme reaches every household. She stressed that with the support of Anganwadi workers, Sewa Kendras, Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies and field-level staff, all eligible women should be identified and connected with the scheme.
The Minister emphasized that no deserving woman should be deprived of the benefits due to lack of awareness, administrative delays or negligence. She added that the Punjab Government has adopted a transparent and people-centric approach for the effective implementation of welfare schemes and is conducting regular monitoring and reviews to ensure benefits reach those who need them the most.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also appealed to eligible women and their families to contact their nearest District Social Security Office, Sewa Kendra or other concerned government offices for information and assistance in availing the benefits provided under the scheme.
