Punjab Government releases Rs.35.50 crore for dependent children; over 2.36 lakh beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur

CHANDIGARH: Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of dependent and vulnerable children, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced the release of Rs.35.50 crore as financial assistance for the month of March during the financial year 2026–27. The assistance will directly benefit over 2.36 lakh children across the State.

Highlighting the Government’s sustained focus on child welfare, the Minister informed that a budget provision of Rs.432.78 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2026–27 to ensure uninterrupted financial support to eligible beneficiaries.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a large number of dependent children are currently benefiting under the scheme. She emphasized that the objective of this assistance is to support children’s education, healthcare and overall development, ensuring that no child is deprived of a secure future due to financial hardship.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric and compassionate welfare initiatives. The Minister said that extending financial support to dependent children is not merely a welfare measure, but a sensitive and significant step towards securing their future.

She further elaborated that the scheme covers children below 21 years of age whose parents have passed away, are missing, or are unable to support the family due to physical or mental incapacity. The financial assistance enables such children to continue their education and improve their standard of living.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen social security schemes and ensure the care, protection and holistic development of every child belonging to vulnerable sections of society.