“Welfare and empowerment of women is the foremost priority of our government,” said Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. She informed that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is providing financial assistance to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that from the financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26, a total amount of ₹127.95 crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring hassle-free and transparent delivery of benefits.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further highlighted that more than 2.89 lakh women have benefited from this financial assistance initiative during this period. “This support is not merely financial aid but a strong protective shield for the health of mothers and newborns,” she said, adding that the initiative has brought a sense of security, trust and well-being to thousands of families.
Under this initiative, eligible women receive ₹5,000 for the first child in two instalments (₹3,000 + ₹2,000) through DBT. Additionally, if the second child is a girl, a one-time financial assistance of ₹6,000 is provided to encourage the birth of the girl child.
Sharing year-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the financial year 2023-24, an amount of ₹38.11 crore was disbursed to 76,478 women. In 2024-25, the amount increased to ₹63.78 crore, benefiting 1,43,418 women. Similarly, in the financial year 2025-26 (till January 31, 2026), ₹26.06 crore has already been disbursed to 69,110 women.
She further added that the government is making focused efforts to cover more women under the scheme. During 2023-24, over 1.32 lakh women were registered, while in 2024-25, more than 1.14 lakh registrations were recorded. For 2025-26, a target of registering at least 1.14 lakh women has been set, out of which 1.05 lakh women have already been registered as of February 11, 2026.
Efforts are underway to achieve the remaining target. The Minister clarified that along with registration, eligible beneficiaries are being provided payments in instalments as per norms, and remaining cases are processed for release of funds upon completion of formalities.
“Our goal is clear—no eligible woman should be deprived of this assistance,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur, reiterating that the Punjab Government remains committed to strengthening such welfare initiatives to ensure the health, safety and empowerment of women across the state.