For Punjab’s women centenarians, the financial assistance provided by the Bhagwant Mann government under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana is much more than a monetary benefit. It has become a source of dignity, independence and reassurance in the twilight of their lives. Some are unable to walk, while others can barely hear or speak.
Yet, despite the challenges that come with crossing the century mark, these women are fully aware that the financial assistance they receive is theirs to spend as they choose. That sense of ownership has brought them immense satisfaction.
Many beneficiaries say they first learnt about the scheme through neighbours and relatives. Determined not to miss the opportunity, they persuaded their children and other family members to accompany them to the nearest Anganwadi centres to complete the formalities.
The assistance is particularly meaningful because it is provided in addition to their old-age or widow pension. At 109, Bharbhur Kaur of Sangrur completed the application process with the help of her great-granddaughter-in-law and now withdraws the money from the bank with her assistance.
She has kept the money safely in her wallet. “I will spend part of this money on my daughters, who are also in their 50s, and use the remaining amount to buy a hearing aid for myself.
I am hard of hearing, but otherwise I am healthy. I can still do all the household work. I have no knee pain or any other ailment. No government has ever done anything like this before,” she said.
Mukhtiar Kaur (110) of Kotkapura has also received the financial assistance. Though she is hard of hearing, she speaks clearly and says she spent the money on household needs.
“I have never seen any government before that has given such dignity to the women of the state,” she said. At 102, Jasmel Kaur of Faridkot has spent much of her life caring for her family. The assistance she received was put to equally thoughtful use.
“Main kuchh paisa apni davai-booti te kharch kita ate kuchh paisa apne jawai de ilaj vaste apni beti nu ditta,” she says. (“I spent some money on my medicines and gave a part of it to my daughter to help with the treatment of my son-in-law.”)
“I am happy that the Bhagwant Mann Government is paying so much attention to women,” she said with a smile. “At this age, money becomes your companion. You need it for everything. Every breath is difficult now.”
In Moga, Pritam Kaur (102) is frail and hard of hearing. Speaking very little because of her age, she lets her son, Sikander Singh, explain how the ₹3,000 assistance has improved her life.
The family purchased a wheelchair, enabling her to move around the house with greater ease, while the remaining amount was spent on medicines. For Pritam Kaur, the support has made everyday life a little more comfortable.
Equally delighted is Angrej Kaur (102). Though she has difficulty hearing, her enthusiasm is unmistakable. “Main taan apne kol rakhangi eh paisa. Jithe dil karega, uthe hi kharch karangi,” she said confidently. (“I will keep this money with me and spend it wherever I wish.”)
She bought medicines and a new suit for herself and also spent part of the amount on her granddaughter—a gesture that reflects her enduring spirit of giving even at the age of 102. The age-related ailments, physical limitations and quiet resilience of these women underscore the significance of the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana.
For these remarkable centenarians, the financial assistance is not merely an amount credited to their bank accounts. It is recognition of lives well lived, a source of financial independence and a reminder that they continue to matter.
In their own quiet ways, these women demonstrate that dignity, respect and the freedom to make their own choices remain invaluable at every stage of life.