₹1,149 crore credited to women’s bank accounts; Punjab’s DBT model gets praise from beneficiaries

The Bhagwant Mann government’s decision to transfer financial assistance directly to women’s bank accounts under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has received an overwhelming response from beneficiaries across the state. Women lauded the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, saying it provided transparency, convenience and financial empowerment by putting money directly into their hands.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has so far disbursed ₹1,149 crore to about 33 crore women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category received ₹4,500 each in three monthly installments of ₹1,500, while beneficiaries from other categories received ₹3,000 each in three monthly installments of ₹1,000. With more than 70 lakh women enrolled in the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the scheme has become one of the largest social security initiatives targeting women in Punjab.

Women across Punjab welcomed the initiative and said the money reached the intended beneficiaries without middlemen and delays and could be withdrawn whenever needed.

Sarabjit Kaur (32) from Gurdaspur said the DBT system ensured that the financial assistance served its intended purpose. “I am very happy that the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann transferred the money directly to our bank accounts. If the aid was distributed in cash, it may not have been used for its intended purpose. Cash dende taan aadmi log peg sheg te kharch kar dende hain, par khate vich ta sada paisa, men could have spent it in cash at home. the money is safe in our bank accounts).

Gagandeep Kaur, 35, from Harchowal village, described the program as one of the most transparent social initiatives she had experienced. “I haven’t chosen the money yet because I will use it whenever I need it. It is the best way to provide financial assistance. If the government distributed cash, people would have to stand in long queues for the money. The money was credited to my account within five to six days of submitting my application. The whole process is fast, transparent and hassle-free,” she added.

Suman Kumari (49) from Sri Hargobindpur said the financial assistance helped her family meet important household and educational expenses. “The best thing about this program is that the money goes directly into women’s accounts. I have used the money for meaningful purposes. My two daughters who are studying in college have also benefited. Along with this, our family gets free rations, free electricity and free bus transport, which has brought a lot of relief,” she said.

Harpal Kaur of Mandi Ahmedgarh said the financial assistance allowed women to manage their own priorities. “I spent my money on household items. My two daughters also got it but they are using it for their own needs. The daughters have their own needs and it is good that the government is supporting them at this stage. The best part is that the money has been transferred directly to our bank accounts through DBT, which allows us to withdraw it whenever needed. hi kharch karna chahida hai (the government has given this money with good intentions so it should be used for good purposes),” she remarked.

Enthusiastic response from beneficiaries suggests that the DBT model has not only made welfare delivery more efficient and transparent, but has also strengthened women’s financial independence by giving them direct control over government financial assistance. Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said, “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana was launched to provide financial security and dignity to women. We are committed to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left behind.”

The smooth rollout of the DBT system was also made possible by the support of the system’s nodal banking partner, Axis Bank, which enabled large-scale benefit transfers across Punjab. “Axis Bank is proud to partner with the Government of Punjab in delivering the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, an initiative that will positively impact millions of women across the state. We remain committed to supporting seamless and timely payment of benefits and helping to ensure that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries efficiently, transparently and at scale. When these programs are delivered effectively and transform financial lives at scale, Reynold D’Souza, Group Head – Branch Banking, North & TASC Business, Axis Bank.

By putting funds directly into the hands of beneficiaries, the DBT mechanism not only ensures timely assistance, but also strengthens the financial independence and decision-making of women in their households.

Published – 28 Jul 2026 14:30 IST