Addressing a press conference ahead of Raksha Bandhan, Aam Aadmi Party's Jalandhar Central Halka Incharge Nitin Kohli announced a special Rakhi gift for the women of Jalandhar Central. He said development works worth approximately ₹59 crore will be undertaken across the constituency over the next six months to strengthen civic infrastructure and public facilities. Reiterating his commitment to the vision of AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on inclusive development and women's empowerment, Kohli said the initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents across the constituency.
Kohli further announced that development works worth more than ₹59 crore are being launched across Jalandhar Central to further strengthen roads, sewerage, drinking water supply, street lighting and other essential civic infrastructure. He said all projects will be executed with complete transparency and a strong focus on quality so that residents receive long-term benefits.
He also announced that a special Raksha Bandhan programme will be organised on August 29 to honour the "Sakhiyaan" who played a key role in making the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana a success. Their contribution towards ensuring the scheme reached eligible beneficiaries will be recognised during the event.
Senior Deputy Mayor Mr. Balbir Singh (Bittu) and Mr. Ashwani Aggarwal (Chairman of the Aggarwal Samaj and Councillor) were also specially present during the press conference.
Highlighting the progress of the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, Kohli said nearly 60% of the eligible beneficiaries have already been covered under the scheme. He said women from the general category are receiving ₹3,000, while women from the Scheduled Caste category are receiving ₹4,500 under the scheme. He expressed confidence that the remaining eligible families will also be covered soon.
Kohli said a One-Call Door-to-Door Service has also been launched for the convenience of beneficiaries. By contacting the landline number 0181-501-8181, residents can avail assistance for the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana application form and the ₹10 lakh Chief Minister's Health Insurance Card from their homes. If required, his team will personally visit beneficiaries' homes to provide these services.
He further announced that a free e-rickshaw facility has been introduced for needy families to ensure that no one faces difficulty in travelling to avail the benefits of government welfare schemes. He said the initiative aims to ensure that every eligible beneficiary can access government services with ease.
Expressing his gratitude, Kohli thanked all the "Sakhiyaan" of Jalandhar Central for their support in helping extend the benefits of the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana to nearly 60% of the eligible beneficiaries. He said efforts are underway to ensure that the remaining eligible families also receive the benefits of the scheme at the earliest.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Jalandhar Central, Kohli said, "I promise every family of Jalandhar Central that every rupee of the development works worth more than ₹59 crore will be spent with complete honesty, transparency and accountability for the welfare of the people. My team and I will work with full dedication to ensure that every eligible family receives the benefits of every public welfare scheme launched by the government. My only goal is the overall development of Jalandhar Central and the welfare of every family."
He said women play a central role in every household and contribute significantly to society. He added that this announcement is a small gesture of gratitude and respect towards the women of Jalandhar Central, who continue to strengthen their families and communities.
Kohli said the welfare and empowerment of women have remained among his key priorities since he began serving the people of Jalandhar Central. He said his team has consistently worked to encourage greater participation of women in community development and has made sustained efforts to support initiatives aimed at their social and economic empowerment. He added that the Raksha Bandhan initiative is another step towards recognising the contribution of women and reaffirming his commitment to their progress, dignity and well-being