Chandigarh, October 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has released nearly ₹729 crore under its Financial Assistance Scheme for Widows and Destitute Women, benefiting nearly seven lakh eligible women across the state, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Sunday.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the scheme was aimed at strengthening the social security net for women facing financial hardship and enabling vulnerable beneficiaries to lead lives with greater dignity and security.
She said the state government has earmarked around ₹1,300 crore for the scheme during the current financial year, reaffirming its focus on providing sustained social security to widows, destitute women and other vulnerable sections.
According to the Minister, widows and destitute women below 58 years of age, along with unmarried women aged 30 years and above, are eligible for assistance under the scheme. Applicants must be residents of Punjab and have an annual family income of not more than ₹60,000.
Dr Baljit Kaur directed officials of the Social Security Department to proactively identify eligible beneficiaries, ensure transparent and time-bound processing of applications and strengthen awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and remote areas.
She also called upon Panchayats, elected representatives, Anganwadi workers and social organisations to assist in identifying eligible women and encourage them to apply for the benefits.
The Minister said timely financial assistance could help ease economic hardship and enable women to rebuild their lives with greater self-reliance and confidence.
She emphasised that the effectiveness of a welfare scheme should be measured not only by the funds released but also by its impact on the lives of beneficiaries, adding that the government remained committed to ensuring that social security benefits reached every eligible woman in need.
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