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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Rejects Congress, SAD’s Threats to Withdraw Welfare Benefits
CHANDIGARH; 27th October 2026:
To protect the socio-economic rights of lakhs of families across the state, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today unanimously passed a comprehensive resolution affirming that the public welfare schemes and direct financial entitlements of the people of Punjab shall continue uninterrupted.
Moved on the floor of the House by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the resolution firmly establishes that the resources of Punjab belong to its people, and the foremost duty of an elected government is to deploy those resources to provide financial dignity, quality healthcare, and essential household relief.
The House categorically rejected attempts to label public welfare spending as a “waste of money.” Moving the resolution, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stressed, “Direct assistance provides critical relief to mothers managing monthly household budgets, farmers cultivating fields, and families confronting unexpected medical crises.” The Assembly affirmed that public support reinforces citizen dignity, self-respect, and economic independence rather than diminishing it.
The resolution highlighted key achievements of the Bhagwant Mann Government that have transformed daily living standards across the state:
Women’s Financial Independence: Over 80 lakh mothers and daughters are registered under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, receiving ₹1,000 per month (₹1,500 per month for eligible Scheduled Caste women). In addition, women undertake over 1 crore free journeys each month on state-run buses, while the Ashirwad Scheme provides ₹51,000 for the marriage of eligible daughters.
Household & Agricultural Energy Relief: The provision of 300 units of free domestic electricity per month has eliminated power bills for more than 90% of Punjab households since 2022. Free power for agricultural tube-wells continues to support lakhs of farming households.
Universal Healthcare Access: The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana provides health treatment coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. A network of 1,244 Aam Aadmi Clinics has already served around 2 crore patients, drastically lowering out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Social Safety Net & Dignity: Social security pensions of ₹1,500 per month support 30 lakh senior citizens, widows, destitute persons, and persons with disabilities. Under the Meri Rasoi Yojana, 40 lakh families receive essential food supplies free of cost every quarter, while nearly 7 lakh elderly citizens have completed free spiritual journeys under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana.
The resolution voiced serious concern over statements by leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) openly advocating for the termination of ongoing welfare schemes and financial assistance. It also condemned remarks demeaning women and vulnerable groups who receive this statutory support, alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) opposition to direct public assistance.
Calling on all political parties to end ambiguity and declare their stand clearly to the people of Punjab, the resolution noted that withdrawing these benefits would directly deprive households of funds required for basic food, healthcare, and education.
The Punjab Assembly resolved:
1. The Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, free domestic electricity up to 300 units per month, free electricity for agricultural tube-wells, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, Aam Aadmi Clinics, the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, free bus travel for women, the Meri Rasoi Yojana, social security pensions, the Ashirwad Scheme and all other such schemes and financial assistance introduced for public welfare shall continue, with benefits protected for all eligible beneficiaries.
2. The Government of Punjab shall make adequate provision for these schemes in every annual budget and ensure timely funding and delivery.
3. This House condemns statements of leaders of the Indian National Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP to demean citizens receiving benefits and rejects their threats to withdraw financial assistance from the citizens.
