DW Bureau | Chandigarh, September 24: Around Rs 624 crore has been released during the current financial year under Punjab's Financial Assistance Scheme for Widows and Destitute Women, benefiting more than seven lakh women, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Thursday.

She said the state government has made a budget provision of more than Rs 1,200 crore for the scheme for 2026-27.

Dr Baljit Kaur directed department officials to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to ensure that eligible women are able to access the scheme. She said Anganwadi workers, Sewa Kendras, panchayats, urban local bodies and field-level staff should help identify eligible beneficiaries and provide information about the scheme.

The minister also directed officials to ensure timely delivery of financial assistance and prevent delays in processing benefits.

She said beneficiaries and their families can approach their nearest District Social Security Office, Sewa Kendra or concerned government office for information about the scheme and the application process.

The minister said the department would continue to monitor the implementation of the scheme and review its delivery at the field level.