Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said opposition parties were unsettled by his government’s announcement of a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, asserting that their criticism reflects anxiety about the Aam Aadmi Party returning to power in the 2027 Assembly elections. Speaking during the Budget Session of the Punjab Assembly while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address, he said his government had treated its election manifesto as a sacred commitment and delivered on promises made to the public. He accused the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress of repeatedly failing to honour their electoral assurances.
Defending the financial assistance programme, Mann said it was designed to provide dignity and economic support to households. Under the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, women above 18 years from the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. He said the amount is meaningful support for poorer families and described it as a gesture of respect toward mothers and daughters. Registration for the scheme will begin on April 13.
Highlighting broader welfare measures, Mann said his government has implemented free electricity, free bus travel and expanded health coverage for families. He added that 63,943 youths had been recruited into government jobs over the past four years. He remarked that earlier political parties treated manifestos as a formality, whereas AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had prioritised quality healthcare and education for common citizens in party commitments.
Mann also spoke about the Meri Rasoi initiative aimed at easing household expenses amid rising prices. Under the scheme, around 40 lakh families will receive essential ration items including sugar, pulses, mustard oil and salt, with ₹1,000 crore allocated for implementation.
On healthcare, he said public confidence in 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics has steadily increased, with outpatient visits surpassing five crore. He added that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides free, cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per family, with around 900 government and private hospitals empanelled. Mann said that unlike many developed countries where citizens pay insurance premiums, Punjab residents are receiving treatment free of cost. He also announced plans to establish new medical colleges in Lehragaga, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, and noted that 934 doctors have been recruited for government hospitals since 2022.
Addressing agrarian concerns, Mann said compensation was provided to farmers whose crops, livestock and homes were damaged in last year’s floods. Under the Jis Da Khet, Us Di Ret scheme, affected farmers received 84,889 quintals of wheat seed worth ₹33.96 crore free of cost.
Criticising the opposition, Mann said people had given multiple opportunities to former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal but the state did not see the expected development. He added that citizens are aware of past governance failures and would hold leaders accountable. Mann also said 19 toll plazas had been shut, saving commuters roughly ₹64 lakh daily. Referring to the Congress walkout during Assembly proceedings, he said the party would face a decisive defeat in the 2027 elections.
