*Punjab Government Releases ₹102 Crore to Support Widows and Destitute Women Across the State: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*6.83 Lakh Women Receive Monthly Assistance to Live with Dignity and Financial Security*
*Over Rs.1200 Crore Allocated to Strengthen Social Security Net for Women in 2026-27*
Chandigarh, April 19:Reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and financial independence of vulnerable women, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has released over Rs.102 crore for widowed and destitute women for the month of March during the financial year 2026-27.
Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is consistently taking people-centric and result-oriented steps to empower women and ensure that they live with dignity, security, and self-respect.
She said that this financial assistance acts as a lifeline for thousands of women, helping them meet essential household expenses and lead a more secure and independent life.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that 6,83,004 widowed and destitute women across Punjab are currently benefiting from the scheme and receiving monthly financial assistance from the state government.
The Cabinet Minister added that to ensure uninterrupted financial support to eligible beneficiaries, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of over Rs.1200 crore for the financial year 2026-27, reflecting the government’s strong commitment towards strengthening social security for women.
Highlighting eligibility criteria, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that widowed and destitute women below 58 years of age, unmarried women above 30 years of age, and applicants with annual family income of ₹60,000 or less are eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to supporting vulnerable sections of society and ensuring that every eligible woman receives financial assistance in a timely manner. She added that such initiatives are playing a crucial role in improving the quality of life of women and empowering them to live with confidence and dignity.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s anti-beadbi bill becomes law with Governor’s assent, ends era of weak laws & political shielding: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*From missing evidence to strict justice, Bhagwant Mann Govt rewrites Punjab’s response to beadbi: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*No escape for conspirators or perpetrators, new law makes beadbi non-negotiable crime: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*After years of inaction by previous regimes, Punjab enforces toughest law to protect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Government fulfils every guarantee, brings watertight law to safeguard religious sanctity in Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bill Reflects Bhagwant Mann Govt's Commitment to Peace and Communal Harmony: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 19th April 2026:The Bhagwant Mann Government has officially implemented the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Bill’, with the Governor of Punjab granting assent to the legislation mandating life imprisonment for those found guilty of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Cabinet Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema described the move as a decisive step to preserve communal harmony and uphold the sanctity of religious scriptures. “The history reflects a troubling pattern where incidents of beadbi occurred during the tenure of the Akali-BJP government, specifically citing the 1986 Nakodar incident and the 2015 Bargari and Behbal Kalan cases," he added.
The Cabinet Minister added that successive regimes failed to ensure justice, saying, “Despite the formation of various commissions and Special Investigation Teams under previous governments, key evidence such as Action Taken Reports went missing and investigation files gathered dust, leaving the culprits and conspirators shielded from the law.”
Highlighting the shift since 2022, he said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has worked tirelessly to accelerate investigations that remained stalled for decades. For the first time, high-profile figures who previously enjoyed political protection were forced to seek anticipatory bail from courts.” Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that every perpetrator, irrespective of social or political stature, will be brought to justice.
Explaining the provisions of the law, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The newly enacted law is designed to be comprehensive and watertight, leaving no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The act not only targets those who physically commit acts of beadbi but also holds the masterminds and conspirators accountable.”
He further added, “Furthermore, the legislation addresses the common defense of ‘mental instability’ used to evade prosecution. Under the new provisions, if an individual under the care of a guardian commits such an act, the guardian or custodian can also be held liable for negligence, ensuring a higher level of accountability for the protection of the holy scripture.”
Concluding his address, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “This legislation marks the fulfillment of a major guarantee made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to the people of Punjab. While previous governments collaborated to create weak laws that failed to stand legal scrutiny, the Bhagwant Mann Government has delivered a robust legal framework.”
He affirmed, “This act serves as a stern warning to any forces attempting to disrupt the peace and social fabric of Punjab, signaling a new era where the dignity of religious faith is protected by the absolute power of the state.”