• Source:JND

Punjab Budget 2026: The Punjab government on Sunday presented budget for the upcoming financial year with a major focus on women's empowerment, agriculture, and rural development. While presenting the budget, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana', a scheme introduced for monthly cash transfer to women. Cheema, while providing details, stated that Rs 1,000 per month will be transferred to all adult women; however, those from the Scheduled Caste community will get Rs 1,500.

The finance minister stated that barring government employees, public representatives, and tax payees, all the adult women of the state will get the benefit of the scheme. "Every woman in Punjab above 18 years of age will be eligible to enroll under this scheme barring only a few, that is, existing or past permanent government employees, existing and past MPs and MLAs, and income tax payees," Cheema said.

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"Even women enrolled under existing social security pension schemes-such as old-age or widow/destitute women pension, or disability pension scheme-will be eligible under this scheme," he added. Cheema further stated that the scheme is designed to benefit 97 per cent of all adult women, the highest in India.

The finance minister further informed that the GSDP of Punjab is projected to reach Rs 9,80,635 crore in FY 2026-27. "These estimates reaffirm our resolve to combine responsible fiscal management with sustained support for economic growth," he stated.

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With just one year remaining in the Assembly polls in Punjab, the scheme is likely to provide a benefit to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The cash transfer schemes, especially for the women, have benefitted the ruling parties in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar.

While the AAP will contest to retain its government in the state, the Congress, BJP, and SAD will fight to get their lost grounds back.


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