Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has disbursed ₹1.70 crore in financial assistance to 4,056 pregnant and lactating women during the current financial year under its maternity assistance scheme, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced.
Minister said the scheme is designed to support maternal and child health while providing financial relief to eligible families. Under the programme, women receive ₹5,000 as maternity assistance for the birth of their first child, with ₹3,000 released in the first instalment and ₹2,000 in the second.
For the birth of a second child, the government provides ₹6,000 as a one-time grant if the newborn is a girl child. Dr. Baljit Kaur said all payments are transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of funds.
According to the minister, 4,056 beneficiaries have already received assistance during the current financial year, while 36,154 women have been registered under the scheme so far in FY 2026-27.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the initiative extends beyond financial support, aiming to strengthen maternal healthcare, improve nutrition, and ensure better care for newborns. She said the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no mother is deprived of essential healthcare services due to financial hardship and that every child gets a healthy start in life.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to women and child welfare, the minister said the Mann Government is working to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary across the state.
