A statewide initiative to recognise women entrepreneurs in Punjab has drawn a massive response, with more than 28,000 women registering for the programme ahead of International Women’s Day celebrations.
The campaign, launched by the government led by Bhagwant Mann, aims to highlight and support women-led businesses across the state. According to Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, the large number of registrations reflects the growing interest among women in entrepreneurship and the state’s push toward rural economic empowerment.
Officials said the initiative will culminate in a state-level event scheduled for March 18, 2026, where outstanding women entrepreneurs will be honoured. As part of the programme, 100 top women entrepreneurs from across Punjab will receive a cash award of ₹25,000 each in recognition of their work and business achievements.
The recognition drive is being organised under the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM), which works to strengthen women’s participation in income-generating activities by connecting them with self-help groups, financial assistance and skill development opportunities.
Preparations for the celebrations are already underway at multiple levels. Local events have started at block and constituency levels, while district-level programmes will begin around mid-March. These events will collectively recognise thousands of women entrepreneurs working in different sectors, especially those associated with self-help groups.
In total, 14,100 women entrepreneurs are expected to be honoured across Punjab through ceremonies organised at block, district and state levels. The government plans to broadcast the main state event live so that communities across villages can participate in the celebrations.
Officials say the initiative is also meant to highlight the role of women in rural economic growth. Punjab currently has around 58,000 active self-help groups with nearly six lakh rural women members, many of whom are involved in small businesses, agriculture-related activities and local enterprises.
Through the mission, women entrepreneurs receive financial support such as revolving funds of ₹30,000, community investment funds of ₹50,000 and access to loans at an interest rate of around 7 percent. The programme also provides training, market linkages and banking support to help women scale their ventures.
With thousands of women stepping forward to register, the government sees the campaign as a sign that entrepreneurship among rural women is gaining momentum. The upcoming Women’s Day events are expected to further encourage women across the state to turn small ventures into sustainable businesses.
