Punjab Women Celebrate Direct Benefit Transfers Under Mann Government Initiative

The Punjab government has successfully executed a significant financial initiative, transferring a remarkable ₹1,149 crore directly into the bank accounts of approximately 33 lakh women as part of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana. This program, which spans various districts including Gurdaspur, Sri Hargobindpur, and Ahmedgarh, has been praised by beneficiaries who assert that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has effectively eliminated their reliance on cash handouts that were traditionally managed by male family members. With over 70 lakh women enrolled in this scheme, which was launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the initiative aims to provide essential financial support to women across the state, empowering them to manage their finances independently.

Under the provisions of this scheme, women belonging to Scheduled Caste households have been granted ₹4,500 each, distributed in three monthly payments of ₹1,500. Meanwhile, women from other categories have received a total of ₹3,000, divided into three installments of ₹1,000 each. Sarabjit Kaur, a 32-year-old resident of Gurdaspur, expressed her satisfaction with the DBT model, highlighting how it safeguards the funds from male relatives who might otherwise misuse them. She remarked, "Cash dende taan aadmi log peg sheg te kharch kar dende hain, par khate vich ta sada paisa safe hai," which translates to the idea that cash given directly can often be squandered on alcohol, while funds in her bank account remain secure and are allocated solely for household necessities. Gagandeep Kaur, 35, from Harchowal, noted the efficiency of the process, stating that her payment arrived promptly within five to six days of her application, and she plans to withdraw the funds only when absolutely necessary.