Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Sunday approved the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, clearing the way for the launch of the AAP government’s long-promised cash assistance scheme for women across the state.Under the scheme, women will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, while women from the Scheduled Castes category will get Rs 1,500. The government said the scheme was expected to cover more than 97% of women in Punjab.A provision of Rs 9,300 crore was made for the scheme in the 2026–27 budget presented in the Assembly on March 8. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann said registrations would begin on Baisakhi, April 13.In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the scheme would promote women’s financial independence and strengthen their role in household and social decision-making. It described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection measures in the country.The scheme will be implemented through direct benefit transfer (DBT), with money to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.The government said there would be no cap on the number of eligible women in a family who could avail the benefit. It also clarified that women already receiving social security pensions would continue to get those benefits in addition to the new assistance.Women aged 18 years and above, registered as voters in Punjab and holding a valid Aadhaar card reflecting Punjab residency along with a valid voter ID card, will be eligible under the scheme.Other decisionsSutlej desilting for highway projects | Cabinet approved relaxation in conditions for desilting in the Sutlej to provide ordinary earth to NHAI for highway construction. The move is part of the water resources department’s river management and flood mitigation measures.70 planning department posts | Cabinet approved filling 70 direct recruitment posts in the planning department following the proposed merger of the Economic Policy and Planning Board with the Directorate of Statistics, Punjab.Power utility top posts | Approval was given to amend qualification and experience norms for appointment of chairman-cum-managing directors and directors in PSPCL and PSTCL.Pachhwara coal mine staffing | PSPCL was allowed to hire statutory manpower and support staff on contract for operation and maintenance of the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Pakur, Jharkhand. An empowered committee will oversee recruitment and extension of contractual staff.Industrial plots to freehold | Cabinet approved amendments to the policy for conversion of leasehold industrial plots/sheds to freehold. Mortgaged industrial plots will also be eligible, subject to NOC from banks or financial institutions and other safeguards.Industrial infra law amendment | Cabinet cleared introduction of the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at improving regulation, maintenance and financial sustainability of industrial areas through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).SPVs for industrial areas | SPVs will be created in all industrial areas for upkeep of shared infrastructure such as roads, lights, drainage and parks on a no-profit, no-loss basis. A district monitoring authority will also be set up for oversight and dispute resolution.
