Chandigarh, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has released Rs 518.81 crore under the Widow and Destitute Women Financial Assistance Scheme up to July of the current financial year, benefiting more than seven lakh women across the state, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Saturday.
She said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government was committed to ensuring financial security, dignity and social support for vulnerable women and would continue to strengthen the state’s social security framework.
According to Dr Baljit Kaur, more than seven lakh widows and destitute women are currently receiving monthly financial assistance under the scheme, helping them meet their essential needs and live more secure and independent lives.
The government has earmarked Rs 1,200.97 crore for implementation of the scheme during the financial year 2026-27, she said.
Under the scheme, every eligible widow and destitute woman receives Rs 1,500 per month. Dr Baljit Kaur described the assistance as an important support for women facing financial hardship, particularly after the loss of the family’s primary breadwinner.
She said the government was working to ensure that social security benefits reached all eligible beneficiaries without discrimination and remained focused on women’s social and economic empowerment.
Dr Baljit Kaur said widowed and destitute women below 58 years of age are eligible for the scheme. Unmarried women aged 30 years and above can also avail themselves of the benefit, provided the applicant’s annual family income does not exceed Rs 60,000.
The Minister said the government would continue expanding the reach of social security initiatives to create a more inclusive and financially secure Punjab.
She added that timely assistance to vulnerable women was an important part of the government’s efforts to enable beneficiaries to live with dignity, confidence and greater financial independence.
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