Punjab Government Launches Universal Cash Transfer Scheme for Women
The Punjab government has launched a groundbreaking cash transfer scheme aimed at empowering women across the state. Announced by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on International Women's Day, the initiative promises ₹1,000 monthly to women aged 18 and above, with additional support for Scheduled Caste women. While the scheme aims to benefit 97% of women in Punjab, it faces scrutiny from the opposition regarding its timing and financial implications. Critics argue that the government should have fulfilled this promise earlier. This initiative positions Punjab as a leader in women's financial support, contrasting with similar programs in other states that impose income restrictions.
Mar 8, 2026, 17:23 IST
Punjab's Commitment to Women's Empowerment
The government of Punjab, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, has fulfilled a significant electoral promise. On the occasion of International Women's Day, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the 'Chief Minister's Women-Centric Support Scheme' as part of the 2026-27 budget. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to nearly all women aged 18 and above in the state. The government claims that approximately 97% of women in Punjab will benefit from this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
A notable feature of this initiative is that women already receiving pensions for old age, widowhood, or disability will also be eligible for this support. Additionally, women from Scheduled Castes will receive ₹1,500 monthly. However, current or former government employees, families paying income tax, and current or former MPs and MLAs will not qualify for this scheme. The Finance Minister described it as the world's first 'Universal Cash Transfer' program, aimed at fostering women's self-reliance.
Financial Implications for the State
In Punjab, the population of women over 18 exceeds 10 million. Implementing this scheme is expected to cost the government around ₹10,000 crores annually. The opposition has raised concerns regarding the timing of this initiative. The Congress party argues that the government has delayed this promise for four years and should compensate each woman for the past 48 months (₹48,000). In response to this demand, the women's wing of Congress staged protests outside the assembly.
Comparison with Other States
While presenting the budget in the assembly, the Finance Minister criticized similar schemes in other states. He pointed out that due to income limits (such as ₹1 lakh annually), only about 20% of women benefit from those programs. He emphasized that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann represents all women in Punjab, not just a fraction, and thus this scheme is being implemented without any restrictive discrimination, allowing women to invest in their health and education.