Women who run homes must now run country, says CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, calls for greater role in politics while felicitating women entrepreneurs

Mohali (SAS Nagar), March 18, 2026: Positioning women at the centre of Punjab’s growth story, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday laid out an expansive vision for their role in governance, economy and society, asserting that real empowerment lies in education, representation and economic opportunity. Speaking at a felicitation event awarding grassroot entrepreneurs in Mohali, he gave a detailed account of the AAP government’s initiatives, from job reservations and direct financial support to large-scale livelihood programmes, while urging women to step into decision-making roles and reshape the state’s future.
Addressing the gathering after felicitating women entrepreneurs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “It is imperative that girls come forward and empower themselves through education. It is in the larger interest of the nation, as women who manage homes and families efficiently should also run the country. The state government is committed to this noble cause and is leaving no stone unturned for it.”
Encouraging greater political participation, he said, “Girls must come forward and participate in politics to become active partners in decision-making and bring necessary change in society. Today, girls have outnumbered boys in almost every field, but politics is still an exception. This field has long been considered a fiefdom of men, but the time has come for women to excel here as well. Women’s participation is essential to build an egalitarian society and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. Women must ensure that they and their families exercise their vote carefully so that the right leaders are elected to the Assembly and Parliament.”
Highlighting the broader vision for the state, the Punjab CM continued, “This will help make Punjab a progressive and prosperous state. It is a matter of pride that girls are excelling in all fields today, and the state government has made consistent and focused efforts to empower women. AAP government has appointed several women as Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police, which is a major shift from earlier times. This is the highest number of women posted in these positions by any government.”
Drawing a global comparison while motivating women, he observed, “In China, every woman is engaged in producing something. If they stop exporting, it would disrupt the global economy. Punjabi women must take inspiration from Mata Gujri ji, Mai Bhago, and other legendary figures and excel in diverse fields. Our government has revamped the education sector to provide quality education, especially to girls. Education is the key to transforming the lives of weaker sections, but previous governments kept them away from it.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that no free ‘revdis’ or concession cards can eliminate poverty or social evils. Education is the only way to break this cycle and improve living standards, and that is why our government is working tirelessly to strengthen it. Women must work hard and excel in every field with dedication. The government is providing full logistical support, but it is equally important to keep learning and upgrading skills to stay relevant in changing times.
“Today is a historic day for the women of Punjab who have created their identity through hard work and dedication. Women entrepreneurs must always be given opportunities, and we are proud to honour them. The development of any society is incomplete without the contribution of women,” he added.
Referring to cultural and philosophical roots, the Punjab CM highlighted that in Sikh philosophy, women have always held a place of honour. Today, 100 top-performing women entrepreneurs from 23 districts are being honoured under the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM). Each will receive ₹25,000, a certificate, and a memento. Earlier, 11,700 women were honoured across 117 Assembly constituencies. “At the district level, 2,300 women were honoured across 23 districts. A total of 58,303 Self Help Groups have been formed, connecting around 5.89 lakh rural families, with ₹147 crore provided as financial assistance to strengthen them,’ he elaborated.
Highlighting entrepreneurship initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared, “Under the Pehal Startup Project, more than 2,000 startups have been launched, creating employment for 7,560 people, which is a major step towards economic empowerment. Sakhi Shakti Melas have been organised in 19 districts, generating earnings of over Rs 1 crore for women. Dairy cooperative societies are also being set up with support from Verka, connecting 7,000 women and aiming to supply 85,000 litres of milk daily. The target is to establish 1,000 such societies across Punjab.”
He continued, “Under the Maavan Dhian Satkar Yojana, women will receive ₹1,000 per month and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. Funds will be directly transferred to bank accounts, and 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit. The government has allocated ₹9,300 crore, and registration will begin from April 13. Under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, 40 lakh families will receive ration kits including 2 kg sugar, 2 kg pulses, 1 litre mustard oil, 200 grams turmeric, and 1 kg salt. ₹900 crore has been allocated for this scheme, which will strengthen women’s empowerment and social security.”
Listing structural measures for empowerment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “We have provided 33% reservation for women in government jobs, and a significant number of the more than 65,000 jobs have gone to women, ensuring their increased participation in governance and administration. Aam Aadmi Clinics, cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, and free electricity to 90% of households are all aimed at women’s welfare. Punjab also provides 50% reservation for women in local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. Around 1.86 lakh girls are receiving nutritious food through 27,314 Anganwadi centres, and recruitment for thousands of workers is ongoing.”
“Free travel for women, especially school and college-going girls, is proving to be a major support. Women must become self-reliant, and the government is opening new avenues of employment for them. Girls are no longer weaker sections of society; they are strong in every way and must be confident about this,” concluded the Punjab CM.
Meanwhile, AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stated, “Earlier, such functions were limited to women achievers from affluent families. For the first time, women from common families are being honoured. This movement will go a long way in transforming the lives of women through empowerment and inspiring others to excel as nation builders.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, and others were also present.