Mohali :
Reaffirming its commitment to women’s welfare and social security, the Punjab Government has released more than Rs 305 crore under its Widowed and Destitute Women Pension Scheme up to May 2026, benefiting over 6.91 lakh women across the state.
Sharing the details, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the scheme has emerged as a vital source of financial support for women facing economic hardship following the loss of a family breadwinner or other difficult circumstances.
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is committed to ensuring that no deserving woman is deprived of dignity, security or basic necessities due to financial challenges,” Dr. Baljit Kaur said.
The minister stated that the pension scheme is helping lakhs of women achieve greater financial stability and independence, enabling them to live with confidence and self-respect. She emphasised that the initiative is not merely a financial assistance programme but also a step towards strengthening women’s dignity, safety and self-reliance.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further revealed that the state government has earmarked more than Rs 1,200 crore for the scheme during the 2026-27 financial year to ensure its smooth implementation and expand its reach among eligible beneficiaries.
She said the government believes meaningful social progress can only be achieved when women are economically secure and socially empowered. Guided by this vision, the administration is continuously working to extend social security benefits to every eligible and needy woman in Punjab.
Explaining the eligibility criteria, the minister said widowed and destitute women below the age of 58 years can avail benefits under the scheme. Unmarried women aged 30 years and above are also eligible, provided their annual family income does not exceed Rs 60,000.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains dedicated to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society by ensuring welfare benefits reach every vulnerable section of the population.
According to the minister, the continued expansion of the pension scheme reflects the government’s broader commitment to providing women with opportunities for a safe, dignified and economically secure life while encouraging their greater participation in society and the state’s development.
