The loss of a family's primary breadwinner often places women under severe financial strain. In such challenging circumstances, the Punjab Government’s Pension Scheme for Widowed and Destitute Women has emerged as a vital source of economic security and dignity for lakhs of women across the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no deserving woman is deprived of her dignity or basic necessities due to financial hardship, said Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing details of the scheme, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has released more than Rs. 305 crore under the Widowed and Destitute Women Pension Scheme up to the month of May. She stated that over 6.91 lakh women across the state are currently benefiting from the scheme, enabling them to achieve greater financial security and lead their lives with confidence and self-respect.
The Cabinet Minister further said that the Punjab Government has earmarked more than Rs. 1,200 crore during the financial year 2026-27 for the effective implementation of the scheme and to ensure that its benefits reach the maximum number of eligible women across the state. Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the scheme serves not only as financial assistance but also as a source of dignity and confidence for thousands of women facing difficult circumstances.
She added that the initiative is a significant step towards strengthening the safety, dignity and self-reliance of women. The Government firmly believes that true social progress can only be achieved when women are economically secure and socially empowered.
Guided by this vision, the Punjab Government is continuously working to extend social security benefits to every eligible and needy woman. Providing details regarding eligibility, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the scheme is available to widowed and destitute women below 58 years of age. In addition, unmarried women aged 30 years and above are also eligible to avail of the benefits under the scheme.
The annual family income of the applicant should not exceed Rs. 60,000. Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards the welfare and empowerment of women, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is consistently working to provide women with opportunities for a safe, dignified and better life so that they can participate in society with confidence and economic stability.
She added that the State Government remains dedicated to creating a more inclusive and compassionate Punjab by ensuring that welfare benefits reach every vulnerable and deserving section of society.