Daijiworld Media Network – Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Mar 10: Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, on Monday said opposition parties were unsettled by his government’s announcement of a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, claiming their criticism reflected fear of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) returning to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Speaking in the Punjab Assembly during the Budget Session while replying to the motion of thanks to the governor’s address, Mann said his government treated its election manifesto as a “sacred commitment” and had worked to fulfil promises made to the people.

He accused the Shiromani Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress of repeatedly betraying the public by failing to deliver on their electoral assurances.

Defending the newly announced financial assistance programme, Mann said it was aimed at providing dignity and economic support to families.

Under the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, women aged above 18 from the general category will receive Rs 1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive Rs 1,500 per month.

“For ordinary people, especially the poor, Rs 1,000–Rs 1,500 is a significant amount. This amount is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters, and the smile on women’s faces due to this scheme gives me great satisfaction,” Mann said.

He added that registration for the scheme would begin on April 13.

The chief minister said the government had introduced several welfare initiatives, including free electricity, free bus travel and health coverage for families. He also noted that 63,943 youths had been recruited over the past four years.

“Earlier, traditional parties released election manifestos merely as a formality a few days before polls. But AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal brought a historic change by focusing on quality health and education for the common people,” Mann said.

Mann also highlighted the Meri Rasoi scheme aimed at easing the burden on families struggling with rising prices.

Under the programme, about 40 lakh families will receive sugar, pulses, mustard oil and salt through the ration system. The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the scheme.
The chief minister said public trust in the state’s 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics had grown steadily, with outpatient visits crossing five crore.

He added that the government had introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, offering free treatment and cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for every family.

Around 900 government and private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, Mann said.

He also announced plans to establish new medical colleges in Lehragaga, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala to strengthen healthcare services, adding that 934 doctors had been recruited in government hospitals since 2022.

Mann said compensation had been provided to farmers whose crops, livestock and houses were damaged in last year’s floods.

Under the Jis Da Khet, Us Di Ret scheme, flood-affected farmers were given 84,889 quintals of wheat seeds worth Rs 33.96 crore free of cost.

During his speech, Mann also criticised former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, saying the state did not witness the development it deserved despite his multiple terms in power.

He added that the government had closed 19 toll plazas across Punjab, saving commuters nearly Rs 64 lakh daily.

Commenting on the walkout by Congress legislators in the Assembly, Mann said the party would face a major defeat in the 2027 elections.