“The Punjab Government is committed for empowering women and it has taken a number of steps for the welfare of women especially the poor.” Disclosing this, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Mrs Aruna Choudhary said that the main objective of Punjab Government is to empower women as much as possible so that they can contribute more to the social, political and economic development of the state.Mrs. Chaudhary informed that Punjab Government has recently made a provision for 4 percent reservation in government jobs and promotions for physically challenged women and men. A notification in this regard has been issued. She said that the Punjab government has also taken steps for the welfare of acid attack women. Under the Financial Assistance Scheme Punjab 2017, the provision for financial assistance Rs. 8,000 per month has been made for women with severe disabilities of 40 per cent or more.The Minister further said that the Punjab Government is providing monthly pension Rs 750 to women who are 58 years and above and their annual income from all sources is less than Rs 60,000 annually. Similarly, both husband and wife should not have more than two and a half acres fertile land and not more than five acres barren land. The pension is being paid to men as well but the age criterion is different for them. Similarly, financial assistance of Rs. 750 per month has also been made for widows / destitute women who are above 58 years and has annually income from all sources not more than 60,000. Similarly the provisions are made for the widows and unmarried women over the age of 30 years besides a monthly pension have also been arranged for physical challenged women.She added that the Punjab Government has made a provision of Rs.1000 a year for the books and copies for the tenth standard physical challenged girls students besides Rs 1000 for the uniform. Above the tenth standard Rs.1500 is being provided annually to students for the books and Rs.1500 for uniforms. This scholarship is provided to all 40 percent or above physical challenged students whose parents have a monthly income of Rs. 5000 or less.She said that the 'Poshan Maah' initiative has already started. The primary aims of this program to ensure the adequate nutritional diet to the pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children of 0-6 years. The 'Poshan Maah' is organizing from Its September to 30 September.