The Punjab government has disbursed Rs 1,147 crore under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, transferring the amount directly into the bank accounts of nearly 33 lakh women across the state through direct benefit transfer (DBT).Eligible beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category received Rs. 4,500 each, comprising three monthly instalments of Rs. 1,500, while beneficiaries from all other categories received Rs. 3,000 each in three monthly instalments of Rs. 1,000.The payments were released to women whose registrations were completed by June 25, 2026. Registration under the scheme remains open across Punjab, with more than 66 lakh women enrolled so far. Women registering now will be included in the next payment cycle.Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Baljit Kaur said the completion of the first payment cycle reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring financial assistance reaches every eligible woman directly and transparently.“The Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been launched to provide financial security and dignity to women. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out,” she said.The minister said the scheme provides direct financial support without affecting any existing welfare benefits. Women already receiving widow, disability or old-age pensions will continue to receive those benefits separately, making the scheme an additional layer of social security.Across Punjab, several beneficiaries described receiving the first instalment as a moment of pride, with many saying it was the first time money had been credited directly into their personal bank accounts.Kuldeep Kaur, a resident of Mustaba Jatta village in Gurdaspur district, said receiving Rs. 4,500 marked the first time she had experienced financial independence.“I am very happy that I have received my own income in my own bank account. I had never earned any money before this. When I received the message about the three instalments on my mobile phone, I felt overjoyed. May God bless the Punjab Government and our Chief Minister for giving us this feeling of self-respect,” she said.She said the payment represented much more than financial assistance.“Earlier, many people believed that sons were more valuable than daughters. That thinking is slowly changing. Families with daughters now feel more secure because women have their own financial support. I have become respectable for my husband,” she said.Harmeet Kaur from Ghummankalan village said she first learnt about the scheme during a village awareness camp.“I shall spend this money on my suits and some household items. I am feeling so happy. I am also earning now,” she said.She added that the scheme carries a larger social message.“A daughter is not a burden; she is the pride of the family. This money will help educate girls and empower them. When we educate and empower a girl, we build a brighter future for the entire family and society,” she said.Kiran, a widow from Dhuri in Sangrur district, said the financial assistance would provide much-needed relief.“For me, this is a big amount. I am a widow and very poor. There is no earning member in my family. This assistance will be a great help. I thank the Chief Minister,” she said.Reeta, a daily wage labourer from a village in Gurdaspur district, said she learnt about the scheme through her local Anganwadi Centre.“I got information from the Anganwadi Centre and filled my form with their help. My husband and I are daily wage labourers. This is a great help. I can now spend this amount on my own needs,” she said.Looking at the SMS confirming the credit, she smiled through tears and said, “The notification tone on my mobile has changed our lives.”
