New Delhi, July 2: A political battle has intensified in Punjab after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government launched its long-promised women’s monthly financial assistance scheme just months before the expected 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The move has triggered sharp criticism from the Indian National Congress, which alleges that the scheme is a last-minute attempt to influence voters.
The newly launched “Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana” provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to eligible women from the General category and ₹1,500 per month to women belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. According to Congress leaders, the scheme has been implemented with effect from July 1, 2026, and beneficiaries are expected to receive payments for July, August, and September together in the initial installment.
The program is expected to benefit nearly 40 million (4 crore) women across the state, making it one of Punjab’s largest welfare initiatives.
Congress Calls the Timing Politically Motivated
Congress leaders argue that the AAP government, which came to power in 2022 after defeating Congress, delayed fulfilling one of its major election promises for more than four years and chose to implement it only as the next Assembly election approaches.
Party leaders claim the announcement is an attempt to gain electoral advantage by appealing directly to women voters. They argue that if the government was genuinely committed to women’s welfare, the scheme should have been introduced much earlier in its term.
Congress Considering Counter Strategy
According to party insiders, Congress is discussing possible strategies to counter the initiative. One option reportedly under consideration is promising a higher monthly financial assistance if the party returns to power.
Congress leaders also plan to highlight their welfare record in Karnataka and Telangana, where similar women-focused schemes were launched shortly after Congress formed the government.
In Telangana, the Congress government announced ₹2,500 per month for eligible women, while Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi Scheme provides ₹2,000 per month to women beneficiaries.
Congress Demands Arrears
Congress leaders have also argued that if the Punjab government is fulfilling its 2022 election promise, it should compensate women for the years they waited.
According to the party, eligible women deserve the pending financial assistance dating back to 2022, rather than receiving benefits only in the final year of the government’s tenure.
Financial Sustainability Questioned
Congress has questioned whether Punjab’s finances can support such a large welfare program. Party leaders allege that the state is already under significant financial pressure due to rising debt and borrowing.
The party also criticized the Punjab government for promoting the women’s allowance scheme through advertisements outside the state, particularly in Gujarat, arguing that taxpayer money should be used more responsibly.
Women Voters Expected to Play a Key Role
Political observers believe that women voters could play a decisive role in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Welfare schemes providing direct financial assistance have influenced election outcomes in several Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Assam.
Congress fears that the Punjab government’s initiative could similarly strengthen AAP’s electoral prospects unless the opposition presents a stronger alternative.
Political Significance
With elections expected in early 2027, the women’s allowance scheme has become one of the state’s most significant political issues. While the AAP government is presenting the program as the fulfillment of a major campaign promise, Congress maintains that its delayed implementation reflects political convenience rather than a genuine commitment to women’s welfare.
The debate over timing, financial sustainability, and electoral impact is expected to remain at the center of Punjab’s political discourse as campaigning for the 2027 Assembly elections gathers momentum.
