The Punjab government has highlighted the impact of its women-focused welfare initiatives, with more than 65 lakh women benefiting from financial assistance under the Mukh Maantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana.
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said the government’s efforts are aimed not only at providing financial support but also at promoting women’s dignity, independence and participation in social and economic life.
She was speaking during a discussion on the ‘Women Empowerment Resolution’ moved by MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora on the final day of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session.
Women’s Welfare Goes Beyond Financial Assistance
Dr Baljit Kaur supported the resolution and said it reflected the Assembly’s commitment to protecting women’s rights, dignity and equality.
Speaking about the Mukh Maantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, she said the scheme has benefited more than 65 lakh women across Punjab.
The minister stressed that the initiative should not be viewed simply as a financial assistance programme. According to her, the broader objective is to create an environment in which women can move forward with greater confidence and independence.
Focus on Dignity and Equal Opportunities
The government is focusing on creating better opportunities for women across different areas of life, including:
- Education and employment
- Financial independence
- Equal opportunities
- Mobility and public participation
- Women’s rights and dignity
- Self-confidence and independence
Dr Baljit Kaur said welfare measures are being designed to help women participate more actively in society rather than limiting support to monetary assistance.
Free Bus Travel Supports Women’s Mobility
The minister also highlighted the free bus travel facility for women as an important measure aimed at improving mobility.
The initiative helps women travel more easily for education, employment, public services and other purposes. Greater mobility, the government believes, can help women participate more actively in public and social life.
Elderly Women Benefit from CM Teerth Yatra
Dr Baljit Kaur also referred to the participation of elderly women in the CM Teerth Yatra Scheme.
She said such initiatives provide women, including senior citizens, opportunities to participate in social and religious activities while accessing government-supported facilities.
Self-Help Groups to Create Economic Opportunities
During the Assembly discussion, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond also highlighted initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment.
He emphasised the government’s efforts to strengthen self-help groups and create additional economic opportunities for women. Such groups can help women participate in income-generating activities and build greater financial independence.
MLAs Participate in Women Empowerment Discussion
Several MLAs took part in the discussion on the Women Empowerment Resolution and shared their views on measures aimed at improving women’s status and opportunities.
The participating MLAs included:
- Inderjit Kaur
- Jeevanjot Kaur
- Narinder Kaur Bharaj
- Sarbjit Kaur Manuke
The discussion focused on women’s rights, dignity, equality, welfare and greater participation in social and economic activities.
Government Focuses on Long-Term Women Empowerment
The initiatives discussed in the Assembly underline Punjab’s broader focus on creating conditions in which women can become more financially independent and socially empowered.
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With welfare assistance, improved mobility, self-help groups and access to opportunities, the government aims to strengthen women’s participation across different spheres of life and support their journey towards greater dignity and independence.