1 week ago

Punjab Expands Women’s Aid, Loans and Public Representation

Punjab is giving monthly financial help to more than 75 lakh women.

Most eligible women receive Rs 1,000 each month, while women from Scheduled Castes receive Rs 1,500.

The government says the money is meant to support women’s dignity and independence.

Women can also receive interest-free loans through self-help groups.

About 3 lakh women have received these loans so far.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said women should have more chances to help run the economy and government.

He also pointed to women serving as deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police.

The announcements were made during a women’s cultural festival in Dhuri.

Punjab also plans to spend Rs 100 crore on celebrations for Guru Ravidas’s 650th Parkash Purab.

Key facts

Monthly assistance: More than 75 lakh women are receiving between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per month.
Scheduled Caste payment: Women from Scheduled Castes receive Rs 1,500 monthly; general-category women receive Rs 1,000.
Loan support: About 3 lakh women linked to 29,000 self-help groups have received Rs 631 crore in interest-free loans.
Scheme eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18, registered voters in Punjab, and have Aadhaar showing Punjab residency and a valid Voter ID.
Administrative representation: Nine of Punjab’s 23 districts have women deputy commissioners, while eight have women senior superintendents of police.
Parkash Purab allocation: Punjab has earmarked Rs 100 crore for celebrations of Guru Ravidas’s 650th Parkash Purab.
Registration: The government says there is no last date for registration and late joiners will receive arrears from the start of the financial year.

financialexpress.com · 1 week ago