Beneficiaries of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana have welcomed the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, with women reporting that financial assistance is reaching them directly without intermediaries or delays, the Punjab government said.
The government said about it $Rs 1,149 crore has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of nearly 33 lakh women under this scheme. Eligible beneficiaries were received from Scheduled Castes (SC). $4,500 pounds in three monthly installments $1,500 each, while beneficiaries from other categories received $3000 pounds in three monthly installments $1000 each. More than 70,000 women have been registered under the programme, which the government has described as one of the largest women-focused social security initiatives in Punjab.
Beneficiaries highlight transparency and direct access to funds
According to the government, women across the state said the DBT mechanism ensured that assistance reached the intended beneficiaries and remained available for use whenever needed.
Sarabjit Kaur, 32, from Gurdaspur, said transferring money directly into bank accounts ensures it is used to meet the family’s needs. She added: “If the money had been distributed in cash, it may not have been used properly. Now the amount is safe in our account and we can withdraw it whenever needed.”
Gagandeep Kaur, 35, from Harchwal village, said the amount was deposited in her account within five to six days of submitting her application. She described the process as fast, transparent and hassle-free, adding that direct transfers also eliminated the need for beneficiaries to stand in queues for cash distribution.
Suman Kumari, 49, from Sri Hargobindpur, said the aid helped her family cover household and educational expenses. She added that her two daughters, who are pursuing higher education, also benefited from the program.
Harpal Kaur from Ahmedgarh said the financial support enabled the women to spend the money according to their own priorities. She said that direct transfer to bank accounts ensures that beneficiaries retain control over how and when the funds are used.
The government says the scheme aims to enhance women’s financial security
Punjab Social Security, Minister of Women and Child Development Dr. Baljit Kaur He said Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana was launched to provide women with financial security and dignity.
“We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance in a transparent and timely manner,” she said. “No eligible woman will be excluded from the program.”
The DBT scheme is being implemented with the support of Axis Bank, the nodal banking partner of the scheme, the government said.
Reynold D’Souza, Group Head, Branch Banking, North and TASC Business, Axis Bank, said the bank was committed to ensuring timely and transparent transfers to beneficiaries. He said large-scale DBT programs promote financial inclusion and improve the delivery of welfare benefits.
The Punjab government said the direct transfer of funds not only improved transparency in social welfare delivery but also enhanced women’s financial independence and their role in family decision-making.
