Fatehgarh Sahib, June 21 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the first instalment covering three months under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna will be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women above the age of 18 on July 1.

Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive Rs 4,500, while women from all other categories will get Rs 3,000.

Addressing a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Chanarthal Kalan village in the Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security and social empowerment for women.

He said the assistance would continue uninterrupted as long as the government “remains in Punjab”.

“After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts.

“Women belonging to the general category will receive Rs 1,000 per month, while Scheduled Caste women will receive Rs 1,500 per month. The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen.

“Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme.

“Nearly 97 per cent women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 9,300 crore for it,” he said.

The Chief Minister said: “This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence.

“Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world.

“Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making.

“When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward.”

He said the government would not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India.

“I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states.

“However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected,” he said.

The Chief Minister said his predecessors never met common people and used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature.

“On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me; it is my responsibility,” he added.

–IANS

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