Women Empowerment Resolution Moved by MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora Passed Unanimously in Punjab Vidhan Sabha; Receives Strong Support from Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur
Education, Equal Opportunities, Exposure and Self-Confidence Are the True Pillars of Empowerment; Punjab Government Has Created a New Ecosystem for Women
Continuity of Welfare Schemes and Equal Partnership in Development Have Strengthened Women’s Role in Society
Historic Steps Taken to Break Social Barriers and Expand Women’s Participation in Public Life: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, August 10:
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today extended wholehearted support to the Women Empowerment Resolution moved by MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. She welcomed the fact that the resolution was passed unanimously, describing it as a powerful reflection of the collective commitment of the House towards safeguarding the dignity, rights and equality of women. She said that through the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the Punjab Government has ushered in a new era of women empowerment by providing direct financial assistance to more than 65 lakhs women. She emphasized that the government’s objective is not merely to extend financial support but to ensure women enjoy dignity, self-confidence and an independent identity in society.
Supporting the resolution, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has gone beyond conventional welfare measures to create an enabling social environment where women are progressing in every sphere of life through education, employment, equal opportunities and enhanced self-confidence.
The Cabinet Minister said that the real foundation of women empowerment lies in education, equal opportunities, exposure and self-belief. She said that when women step beyond the confines of their homes, interact with society, acquire new experiences and sharpen their capabilities, they become more confident, self-reliant and capable of contributing meaningfully to society. It is with this vision, she added, that the Punjab Government has worked consistently to dismantle long-standing social barriers and create new opportunities for women.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government has transformed women from being mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes into equal partners in the state’s development journey. She highlighted sustained efforts to ensure equal employment opportunities, expedite the recruitment of Anganwadi workers and enhance women’s participation across different sectors.
The Minister said that continuing the free bus travel facility for women is not merely about providing affordable transportation but about encouraging women to access education, employment and wider social participation. Likewise, the enthusiastic participation of elderly women in the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme demonstrates that when opportunities are created, women emerge as active participants in every field.
She further said that women empowerment cannot be confined to financial assistance alone. It means creating a society where every woman and girl enjoys security, dignity, equal opportunities and an enabling environment to realize her full potential. She added that the Punjab Government’s policies are firmly guided by this vision.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that while governments often discontinue welfare initiatives introduced by previous Government’s, the Punjab Government has instead ensured continuity of public welfare schemes while making them more effective and people-centric.
Highlighting the impact of the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, she said that over 65 lakhs women have already been extended direct financial assistance and the registration of the remaining eligible women is continuing. She emphasized that the scheme is not merely about financial assistance of ₹1,000 or ₹1,500, but about strengthening women’s dignity, economic independence and social identity.
She observed that countless women have spent their entire lives putting the needs of their families before their own aspirations. The Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, she said, provides such women with recognition, confidence and an opportunity to establish an identity of their own.
The Cabinet Minister also shared that Government Children’s Homes currently house 215 children, including 157 girls and 58 boys, while Observation Homes accommodate 495 boys and only five girls. She said these figures underline the continued need to strengthen protection, dignity and equal opportunities for girls, and reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to this cause.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that although the Union Government has a woman Finance Minister, no nationwide initiative comparable to the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been introduced to provide direct financial support to women on such a large scale with the objective of enhancing their dignity, economic independence and social identity. She said Punjab has emerged as a model for the country in this regard.
During the discussion in the Assembly, Cabinet Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted the Punjab Government’s achievements in promoting women empowerment, strengthening Self-Help Groups and creating new economic opportunities for women. MLAs Inderjit Kaur, Jeevanjot Kaur, Narinder Kaur Bharaj and Sarbjit Kaur Manuke also shared their views on the government’s initiatives aimed at advancing the social, economic and political empowerment of women.
Expressing gratitude to MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora for introducing the resolution, Dr. Baljit Kaur welcomed its unanimous passage by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and said it reflects the House’s united resolve to uphold women’s dignity, rights, economic independence and social equality. She added that such meaningful deliberations and unanimous decisions will further accelerate the cause of women empowerment and strengthen gender equality across the state.
Concluding her address, Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting women’s rights, promoting economic empowerment and ensuring social equality. She said that an empowered woman is the strongest foundation of an empowered family, a progressive society and a prosperous Punjab.
