Special Focus on Senior Citizens, Women and Children during 2025 (FY 2025–26): Dr. Baljit Kaur
₹4,683.94 Crore Released Under Social Security Schemes
35.29 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Continuous Financial Support
766 Children Rescued Under Project JIWANJYOT in Drive Towards a Beggar-Free Punjab
64 Child Marriages Prevented Through Timely Government Intervention
Strict Enforcement of Safe School Vehicle Policy to Protect Students
Punjab Becomes India’s First State to Introduce Sign Language in Assembly Proceedings
Inclusive Travel Facilities Extended to Persons with Disabilities and Visually Impaired
One Stop Centres Provide Safety, Support and Dignity to Violence-Affected Women
Free Bus Travel Strengthens Women’s Mobility and Empowerment
3.68 Crore Sanitary Pads Distributed Free to 13.65 Lakh Women
5 Working Women Hostels Planned in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar
Chandigarh, December 19:
Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric policies aimed at ensuring the welfare of every section of society. During the year 2025 (Financial Year 2025–26), several landmark initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the social and economic security of senior citizens, women, children and Persons with Disabilities. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that a budget provision of ₹6,175 crore was made under Social Security Schemes during 2025, out of which ₹4,683.94 crore has already been released up to November 2025 towards old age pension and other financial assistance schemes.
She informed that 35,29,216 beneficiaries are presently receiving continuous financial assistance, reflecting the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a strong and reliable social security framework.
Highlighting the government’s resolve to eradicate child begging, the Minister said that Project JIWANJYOT has been launched, under which special enforcement drives are conducted across all districts during the second week of every month. Further strengthening the campaign, Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 has been implemented to curb child trafficking and identify those forcing children into begging. So far, 766 children have been rescued and steps taken for their education and rehabilitation.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is working with full seriousness to eliminate the social evil of child marriage. During 2025, 64 child marriages were prevented in a timely manner, with the support of 2,076 notified Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across the state.
She said that ensuring the safety of school-going children remains a top priority. Under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, 2,385 school buses were inspected during the last four months, resulting in 404 challans and the impounding of two buses for safety violations.
The Minister informed that Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce sign language in Vidhan Sabha proceedings, enabling persons with hearing and speech impairments to connect with the democratic process. For this initiative, one sign language interpreter, 42 special educators and 48 translators have been empanelled.
She further stated that free travel facilities are being provided to visually impaired persons, while Persons with Disabilities are entitled to travel at half fare. For FY 2025–26, ₹350 lakh has been allocated for this scheme, out of which ₹3.45 crore has already been spent.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that One Stop Centres are operational in all districts, providing free medical, legal, police assistance, counselling and temporary shelter to violence-affected women. Up to November 2025, 5,121 women have benefited from these services.
She added that free bus travel is being provided to all women in Punjab, benefiting around 1.20 crore women every month. Expenditure of ₹450 crore has been incurred under this scheme up to November 2025.
Through more than 27,000 Anganwadi Centres, 3,68,72,550 sanitary pads have been distributed free of cost to 13,65,000 needy women. During the current financial year, ₹26.06 crore has been transferred via DBT to 69,110 Pregnant women beneficiaries, with a target to cover 1.14 lakh women beneficiaries.
The Minister also informed that five Working Women Hostels will be constructed in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, with completion targeted by 2026.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully committed to strengthening social security, empowering women and ensuring inclusive development for a prosperous and secure Punjab.
