Punjab’s Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme has been revamped to enhance women’s education and empowerment, offering increased financial aid, skill development, and digital literacy programs. Targeting girls from economically weaker sections, the scheme now includes scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship. The initiative aims to boost female literacy and economic independence across rural and urban Punjab.
Punjab Bolsters Women’s Education with Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme Overhaul
The Punjab government has unveiled a comprehensive revamp of the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women through education and skill development. Launched initially in 2011, the scheme has been restructured to address modern challenges, focusing on increasing female literacy, fostering economic independence, and bridging the digital divide for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The revamped scheme now offers enhanced financial assistance to girls pursuing higher education, particularly those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Scholarships have been increased by 30%, with amounts ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 annually, depending on the course and level of study. This financial aid covers tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder access to quality education.
In addition to scholarships, the scheme introduces vocational training and skill development programs tailored to market demands. Courses in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and technical skills such as coding and data analysis have been incorporated to prepare women for diverse career opportunities. The government has partnered with private institutions and NGOs to provide hands-on training and internships, aiming to improve employability.
A key feature of the revamp is the inclusion of mentorship programs, where successful women professionals guide beneficiaries in career planning and personal development. This initiative seeks to build confidence and leadership skills among young women, particularly in rural areas where access to role models is limited. Over 10,000 mentors have been onboarded, with plans to expand this network by 2026.
To address the digital divide, the scheme now provides subsidized laptops and internet access to eligible students. This move aligns with the state’s broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive society. The government has allocated ₹200 crore for the scheme in the 2025-26 fiscal year, aiming to reach 1.5 lakh beneficiaries by 2027.
The revamp also emphasizes outreach to remote areas, with mobile units conducting awareness campaigns about the scheme’s benefits. Community centers in rural Punjab will serve as hubs for application assistance and training workshops. The initiative has been lauded by educationists and women’s rights activists, who see it as a step toward gender equality and economic empowerment.
Data from the Punjab Education Department indicates that female literacy in the state has risen from 70.7% in 2011 to 78.5% in 2024, partly attributed to schemes like Mai Bhago Vidya. The revamped program aims to push this figure closer to 85% by 2030, aligning with national education goals. The scheme also includes provisions for women with disabilities, offering additional stipends and accessible learning resources.
The announcement has sparked positive reactions across social media platforms, with many applauding the government’s focus on women’s empowerment. However, some critics argue that implementation challenges, such as bureaucratic delays and lack of awareness in remote areas, must be addressed to ensure the scheme’s success. The government has responded by setting up a dedicated helpline and online portal for real-time assistance and feedback.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent announcements by the Punjab government and reports from credible sources. Information is subject to change as new details emerge. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official government channels.