Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann marked Raksha Bandhan by stepping into what he called the role of a brother, transferring Sanman Rashi worth crores of rupees to women across the state under the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana. The gesture was framed as both a festival tribute and a reaffirmation of the government’s welfare commitments.
A Brother’s Duty, Fulfilled
Addressing a gathering virtually, Mann said his government had turned Raksha Bandhan into an occasion of dignity rather than just sentiment, releasing ₹52.20 crore to 1.37 lakh Satkar Sakhis in recognition of their role in reaching women across Punjab. He noted that their efforts had helped register more than 75 lakh women under the scheme.
Scale of the Sanman Rashi Rollout
The Chief Minister shared that 76.11 lakh women had been registered under the scheme so far, with ₹2,381 crore already transferred to 68.06 lakh women. Under the scheme, women beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 a month, while women from the Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500. The government has set a target of eventually connecting one crore women with the initiative.
Words of Respect for Punjab’s Women
Mann described women as deserving the highest respect, saying they are the source of life itself, and that the blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome life’s challenges. He tied the financial support directly to broader goals, noting that strengthening women’s financial autonomy improves household welfare, promotes gender equity and boosts women’s participation in decision-making.
A Recurring Commitment
Bhagwant Mann: The Punjab government has indicated the scheme will continue as part of its long-term welfare push, with officials noting that 97 percent of women in Punjab are expected to eventually benefit. For Mann, the Raksha Bandhan gesture served as a symbolic extension of a policy already reaching millions of households across the state.
