Highlighting the transformational initiatives undertaken by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government for women empowerment, Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the unprecedented expansion of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the last four years has opened new avenues of livelihood, financial independence and dignity for women across the state.
Drawing a comparison between the 11-year period from 2011 to 2022 and the four years from 2022 to 2026 of Mann Government, S. Sond said that the pace and scale of work undertaken by the Mann government clearly demonstrated its commitment towards empowering women at the grassroots level.
S. Sond said that 28,734 SHGs were created in just four years under the Bhagwant Mann government and around 29,053 SHGs created during the preceding 11-year period. Similarly, nearly 2.90 lakh women have been added to SHGs in four years, compared with 2.97 lakh during the previous 11 years.
“The figures speak for themselves. What took 11 years to achieve under previous governments has been achieved on an almost comparable scale in just four years by the Bhagwant Mann government. This is the difference that a government with a clear commitment to women empowerment can make,” said S. Sond.
The Cabinet Minister particularly highlighted the increase in interest-free financial assistance to SHGs. While only Rs.1.71 crore in interest-free loans was provided during 2011–2022, the Bhagwant Mann government has provided Rs.631 crore in just four years.
“This is not merely an increase in numbers; it is an investment in the economic independence of Punjab's women. When women receive access to affordable and interest-free credit, they can start or expand livelihood activities, contribute more substantially to family incomes and build a more secure future for their families,” he said.
S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond also pointed out that the Mann government has doubled the revolving fund support, increasing the amount from the earlier Rs.10,000 - Rs.15,000 per SHG to Rs.30,000 per SHG.
The Cabinet Minister said that the formation of 2,427 Village Organisations in four years, compared with 1,806 during the previous 11 years, showed the government's emphasis on strengthening the institutional network at the village level.
He said that the increase in Community Investment Fund beneficiaries from 6,234 to 9,244 further showcased the government's efforts to expand financial opportunities for women and SHG members.
S. Sond said that the Mann government views women empowerment not merely as a welfare objective but as an essential pillar of Punjab's economic progress.
“When the women of Punjab become financially strong, the entire family becomes stronger, villages become stronger and the state's economy becomes stronger. Our government is committed to ensuring that every woman gets the opportunity to become financially self-reliant and contribute to the prosperity of Punjab,” he said.
The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government would continue to strengthen Self Help Groups, expand access to financial assistance and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities so that women across the state could move towards greater economic independence, dignity and empowerment.
