Chandigarh, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution affirming that public welfare schemes and direct financial benefits introduced by the Bhagwant Mann-led government will continue uninterrupted, protecting the entitlements of eligible beneficiaries across the state.
Moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the final day of the Assembly’s 13th session, the resolution stated that Punjab’s resources belong to its people and that the government’s responsibility is to use them to provide financial security, accessible healthcare and relief from essential household expenses.
Rejecting criticism of welfare expenditure as a waste of public money, Cheema said direct assistance provides vital support to women managing household budgets, farmers cultivating their fields and families facing unexpected medical expenses. The resolution emphasised that welfare assistance strengthens citizens’ dignity, self-respect and economic independence.
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, Cheema said more than 80 lakh women had registered under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 per month, while eligible Scheduled Caste women receive ₹1,500 per month. The government also provides free bus travel for women on state-run buses, with more than one crore journeys undertaken each month, according to the resolution. The Ashirwad Scheme provides ₹51,000 towards the marriage of eligible daughters.
The resolution also highlighted the provision of 300 units of free domestic electricity per month and free electricity for agricultural tube-wells. It stated that the domestic electricity benefit had eliminated power bills for more than 90 per cent of Punjab households since 2022, while free agricultural power continued to support farming families.
On healthcare, the resolution cited the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which provides health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. It also noted that 1,244 Aam Aadmi Clinics had served approximately two crore patients, helping reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
The government’s social security measures include monthly pensions of ₹1,500 for around 30 lakh senior citizens, widows, destitute persons and persons with disabilities. The resolution further stated that the Meri Rasoi Yojana provides essential food supplies free of cost every quarter to 40 lakh families. Nearly seven lakh elderly citizens have also completed free spiritual journeys under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, it added.
The resolution expressed concern over statements by leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal advocating the discontinuation of existing welfare schemes and financial assistance. It also criticised remarks that demeaned women and vulnerable sections receiving benefits and opposed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s position on direct public assistance.
Calling on political parties to clarify their positions on welfare schemes, the resolution argued that withdrawing such benefits would deprive families of financial support for essential needs, including food, healthcare and education.
The Assembly resolved that the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, free domestic electricity up to 300 units per month, free electricity for agricultural tube-wells, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, Aam Aadmi Clinics, the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, free bus travel for women, the Meri Rasoi Yojana, social security pensions, the Ashirwad Scheme and other public welfare initiatives should continue, with benefits protected for all eligible beneficiaries.
It further resolved that the Punjab Government should make adequate budgetary provisions for these schemes every year and ensure timely funding and delivery.
The House also condemned statements by leaders of the Congress, SAD and BJP that it said demeaned citizens receiving welfare benefits, and rejected threats to withdraw financial assistance.
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