Chandigarh, December 27, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, highlighted the significant achievements of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, in 2024 towards ensuring the welfare, empowerment, and health of women, children, and senior citizens across the state.
The Minister emphasized that under the Old Age Pension and other financial assistance schemes, beneficiaries receive ₹1500 per month as pension. By November 2024, nearly 34.09 lakh beneficiaries have been supported, with ₹4532.60 crore disbursed transparently through the Public Financial Management System.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “The purpose of the Punjab Government’s free bus travel scheme for women is to instill a sense of self-confidence and security among them. Over 1 crore women benefit from this facility every month.”
Cabinet Minister added to enhance employment opportunities and promote health awareness among women, the government launched the “Health, Hygiene and Awareness Camps” initiative on December 2, 2024, beginning in District Sri Muktsar Sahib. These camps will gradually expand to all districts.
Sri Muktsar Sahib camp saw participation from seven companies, where 209 women were interviewed, 134 were shortlisted, and 28 secured jobs. Additionally, the camps offered free health checkups for women, promoting awareness about disease prevention and health care.
In the camp held in Barnala district, over 370 women candidates appeared for job interviews with 12 companies. During this event, 88 women registered for free training programs offered by IBM and Microsoft. Companies in sectors like banking and insurance, textiles, computers, and cosmetics participated in the camp. As a result, 241 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, and eight were given appointment letters on the spot.
In a mega placement camp organized in Gurdaspur, 465 women participated, and 356 women were selected for various posts after on-the-spot interviews conducted by different companies. Officials interviewed women for post such as warehouse clerk, machine operator, telecaller, computer operator, security guard, warehouse packer, insurance advisor, loan advisor, and wellness advisor.
Similarly, during the mega placement camp held in Hoshiarpur, companies aimed to fill 400 vacancies. More than 1,500 candidates participated, of which 204 were hired on the spot, and 412 were shortlisted for the final round of interviews.
Additionally, 54 candidates registered for IBM and Microsoft programs, while 57 registered for Red Cross initiatives.The PNB Rural Self-Employment Training Institute also provided awareness about loan facilities available for self-employment during the event.
The Minister further highlighted that under the Matru Vandana Yojana, financial aid amounting to ₹25 crore was disbursed to 52,229 pregnant and lactating women earlier this year. In December, an additional ₹23.55 crore was given among 76,895 beneficiaries. These initiatives aim to enhance maternal and child health across Punjab.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the decline in malnutrition rates across the state, as reported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Between 2022 and 2024, stunting decreased from 22.08% to 17.65%, wasting from 9.54% to 3.17%, and underweight rates from 13.58% to 5.57%, thanks to the department’s relentless efforts.
She further said that the established of state level and district-level branches under the Hub for Empowerment of Women initiative. These branches aim to raise awareness of government schemes and ensure their effective implementation.
“The Punjab Government remains committed to empowering women, improving health standards, and ensuring social security for all. Government focus is on inclusive growth and creating a state where every citizen thrives,” Dr. Baljit Kaur affirmed.
