Punjab budget 2026-27: ₹1,000/month for all women above 18
Punjab just rolled out a big move for women in its 2026-27 budget: eligible adult women (18+) will receive ₹1,000 per month via direct bank transfer; exclusions include income-tax payees, existing or past permanent government employees, and current or former MPs/MLAs.
Scheduled Caste women will receive even more at ₹1,500.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana on International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) as part of a ₹2.6 lakh crore budget.
Registration opens April 13; scheme fulfills AAP's major election promise
This scheme is set to reach about 97% of adult women in Punjab (excluding income-tax payees, existing or past permanent government employees, and current or former MPs/MLAs), with registration opening April 13, 2026.
It's being described as a first-of-its-kind universal cash transfer scheme for women globally and fulfills AAP's election promise made during its first term.
The goal? Boost financial independence for women, especially ahead of upcoming elections.
The budget continues support for free bus travel for women, making daily life a bit easier and more accessible for women across the state.