Mann Government Turns Paper Dreams into Hope for Millions : ₹4683.94 Crore Released from ₹6175 Crore Budget under Social Security Schemes
Chandigarh, December 22, 2025: the Social Security Department has launched Project Jeevanjot Under the leadership of Chief MinisterBhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is continuously implementing pro-people policies for the welfare of every section of society.During the year 2025 (financial year 2025–26), the government took several historic initiatives to ensure the social and economic security of the elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
This information was provided by the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur.She stated that the government allocated ₹6,175 crore under social security schemes in 2025, and it released ₹4,683.94 crore by November 2025 for old-age pensions and other financial assistance schemes.
She said that currently, 35,29,216 beneficiaries are continuously receiving financial assistance, which reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to creating a strong social security net.
Social Security; Punjab Steps Up Fight Against Child Begging & Child Marriage
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab government is working with firm resolve to eradicate child begging from the state.For this purpose, the Social Security Department has launched Project Jeevanjot, under which it conducts special raids in all districts of the state during the second week of every month.
She informed that Project Jeevanjot 2.0 has been implemented. It aims to prevent child trafficking and identify individuals involved in forcing children into begging. This makes the campaign more stringent and effective.Authorities have rescued 766 children from begging so far and have taken concrete steps to ensure their education and rehabilitation.
The Cabinet Minister stated that the government is working with complete seriousness to eliminate the social evil of child marriage. During the year 2025, 64 child marriages were stopped in time. She said that the 2076 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers appointed across the state are playing a crucial role in this campaign.
Dr. Baljit Kaur Highlights Safe School Buses and Inclusive Policies
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, the safety of school-going children is a priority for the government. During the last four months, authorities inspected 2,385 school buses. They fined 404 buses and seized 2 buses for failing to meet safety standards.
She informed that Punjab has become the first state in the country to implement sign language interpretation. This is for the proceedings of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. This initiative will enable persons with speech and hearing disabilities to connect with the democratic process. For this, 1 sign language interpreter, 42 special educators, and 48 translators have been empanelled.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that free travel facilities are being provided to visually impaired persons. Travel at half fare is available to persons with disabilities.The government has allocated a budget of Rs. 350 lakh for this scheme in the financial year 2025–26, and it has spent Rs. 3.45 crore so far.
Punjab Govt Expands Women Welfare Schemes: Dr. Baljit Kaur
She informed that the state has established One-Stop Centers in all districts.At these centers, five types of free services are provided to women affected by violence. These services include medical, legal, police assistance, counseling, and safe accommodation. By November 2025, 5121 women had availed these services.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that all women in the state are being provided free travel facilities in government buses. Approximately 1.20 crore women are benefiting from this scheme every month. By November 2025, Rs. 450 crore had been spent on this.
She stated that authorities distributed 36,872,550 sanitary pads free of cost to 13.65 lakh needy women through more than 27,000 Anganwadi centers.
Punjab Strengthens Women Welfare and Social Security: Dr. Baljit Kaur
During the current financial year, an amount of Rs. 26.06 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of 69,110 pregnant and lactating women. These beneficiaries received the funds through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). The government has set a target of covering 1.14 lakh beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the government will construct five working women’s hostels in Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.
The construction will cost approximately ₹150 crore. The aim is to complete their construction by 2026.
Finally, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann leads with dedication. The Punjab government fully commits to social security and actively promotes women’s empowerment and overall development. The government is working towards building a happy and secure Punjab.
