Punjab Budget 2026: AAP Government Announces Monthly Cash Support Scheme
₹1,000–₹1,500 Monthly Cash Transfers for WomenThe aam aadmi party (AAP)‑led Punjab Government unveiled its 2026–27 state budget with a major focus on women’s financial empowerment. Under the “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna”, the government announced direct monthly cash support of ₹1,000 to eligible women across the state. women belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community will receive a slightly higher amount of ₹1,500 per month.Scheme Coverage and EligibilityThe scheme is intended to be nearly universal, covering around 97 % of adult women in Punjab, making it one of the largest cash transfer programmes for women in India. The only exclusions are women who are current or former government employees, MPs/MLAs, or income‑tax payees.Budgetary Outlay and TimingThe government has earmarked approximately ₹9,300 crore for this women’s assistance programme in the 2026‑27 budget, which was presented in the assembly on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026).Government’s RationaleFinance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said implementing the scheme fulfills a key poll promise made before the 2022 assembly elections. The funds will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, aiming to promote economic independence, better decision‑making power within households, and improved health and educational outcomes for women.Wider Context of the BudgetThe overall Punjab Budget 2026‑27 has a total outlay of around ₹2.60 lakh crore with allocations also made for other priority areas such as education, health, agriculture, and rural development, along with the monthly cash support scheme as a key headline initiative.Political ReactionThe announcement has generated mixed responses. While supporters hail it as a historic move for women’s empowerment, opposition leaders have criticised aspects such as the delay in implementing the scheme, lack of clarity on arrears from previous years, and fiscal sustainability concerns.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.