Gift in offing for women on Rakhi eve: Punjab minister Baljit Kaur

Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, August 9

The state government would give a surprise gift to women of the state on Rakhi eve on August 19, said Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, as she addressed mediapersons during a Teej festival event organised by the district administration at Aam Khas Bagh. Cabinet Minister Baljit was asked about the Rs 1,000 monthly grant to women of the state promised by the AAP in their manifesto. She neither confirmed nor denied the approval of the grant and asked everyone to wait.

The minister said the state government has launched a foster care scheme for the welfare of economically weaker, destitute children who are engaged in labour. She said Rs 7.91 crore has been released to assist 1,704 such children financially. She said the state government has set a target to give financial assistance to 7,000 children under this scheme until March 31, 2025.

She said that the Punjab Beggar Act, 1971, would also be amended to make parents responsible for begging children. Apart from this, the helpline number (1028) has been made operational, and anyone who finds children engaged in labour and begging should report to the number.

Addressing the gathering, she said the mothers were the only ones who could protect their daughters from being exploited in foreign countries. She also made a fervent plea against female feticide. She said continuous efforts were being made by the state government for the development of the girl child and to provide them with a friendly and secure atmosphere. However, the most important role was that of mothers. She said the AAP had kept a large chunk of the budget for the women of the state. She said a lot of work has been done; however, more needs to be done.

MLA Lakhbir Singh Rai appreciated the efforts of the district administration in organising the event.