Punjab Presents Budget 2026: Rs 1,500 for SC Women, Rs 1,000 for Others Under Maawa Dhiyan Satkaar Scheme

March 8, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Budget 2026-27 speech presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on March 8, 2026 (International Women’s Day). This is the fifth budget of the Aam Aadmi Party government under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, described as the “Saari Guarantiyan Puri Karan Wala Budget” (budget that fulfills all guarantees).

⇒ Rs 1500 for SC Women and Rs 1000 for every adult women

Harpal Singh Cheema said the Budget is dedicated to the women of Punjab. It introduces the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojana, under which every woman will receive ₹1,000 per month, while Dalit women will get ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance. Nearly 97% of women are expected to benefit under the current eligibility rules. The government has set aside ₹9,300 crore for this scheme.

In addition, the free bus travel service for women will continue with an allocation of ₹600 crore. A total of ₹932 crore has been earmarked for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Under the Navi Disha Scheme, free sanitary pads will be provided to adolescent girls, for which ₹65 crore has been allocated for 2026–27.

Overall, the government has proposed a total budget of ₹18,304 crore for women’s empowerment and social welfare. This is the highest allocation in the history of Punjab and represents a 96% increase compared to last year.

⇒ Rural & Urban Development:

Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme: Doubled to ₹1,170 crore (₹10 crore per constituency).

Rural roads: Massive upgradation (₹7,606 crore for remaining km).

Urban: Municipal Development Fund quadrupled to ₹1,000 crore; AMRUT, PMSIP water projects.

⇒ Agriculture & Allied:

Free/subsidized power to farmers continues.

Crop diversification: Incentives for Direct Seeded Rice (₹40 crore), maize shift, Bt cotton subsidy.

Stubble management: ₹600 crore subsidy.

Horticulture: JICA project ₹1,300 crore (target 300% acreage increase by 2035).

Dairy/fisheries/cooperation support.

⇒ An awareness campaign will be run regarding food products

During Question Hour, Health Minister Balbir Singh said that starting April 1st, a food awareness campaign will be launched in all districts of Punjab. Anyone can visit and have their food items tested. This testing will be free. No action will be taken against anyone during this period.

Punjab CM Wrote Good news on the way, get ready

ਤਿਆਰ ਰਹੋ, ਜਲਦ ਖੁਸ਼ਖਬਰੀ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

Stay tuned, good news on the way.😊 pic.twitter.com/3wlzNuJUMX

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 8, 2026

CM wrote – I am bringing great news

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਦੇਸ਼-ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ‘ਚ ਵਸਦੀਆਂ ਸਭਨਾ ਮਾਵਾਂ-ਭੈਣਾਂ ਤੇ ਧੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ‘ਕੌਮਾਂਤਰੀ ਮਹਿਲਾ ਦਿਵਸ’ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ-ਬਹੁਤ ਮੁਬਾਰਕਾਂ।

ਮੈਂ ਹਰ ਉਸ ਧੀ ਅਤੇ ਭੈਣ ਨੂੰ ਸਲਾਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਜੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਮਤ ਸਦਕਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੌਸ਼ਨ ਕਰ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਮੇਰਾ ਸਿਜਦਾ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਜੋ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਕਦੇ ਭੁੱਖੇ ਢਿੱਡ… pic.twitter.com/Q6Ig7olPo7

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 8, 2026

Assembly Election Next Year

Assembly elections are scheduled for Punjab next year, in 2027. In this regard, the AAP government will fulfill its 2022 election promise to women in its final budget, allocating ₹1,000 per month to every woman.

The government is expected to focus on everyone, from villages to cities, youth to industry. This was indicated by the government’s announcement of cheaper electricity and the release of an industry policy just before the budget.

At the same time, due to it being an election year, the government is not imposing any new taxes. The focus is on financial management by showcasing revenue growth (excise 86%+) and an increase in GST. The government will display the budget through screens in 117 assembly constituencies.