bhagwant Mann Govt Launches 100 Shg-managed Canteens Across Bus Stands, Tehsils, Dc & Mc Offices To Empower Rural Women: Harpal Singh Cheema

Nov5,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh

*Affordable, Hygienic And Home-Style Meals To Be Served Across Major Public Institutions: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Free Space, Electricity, Water & Professional Training To Support SHG-Managed Canteens: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*100 Canteens, Thousands of Livelihoods; Bhagwant Mann Govt Turns Rural Women into Entrepreneurs Fulfilling Chief Minister’s Women's Day Promise: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Full Govt Support for SHGs; Rent-Free Space, Free Electricity & Water in Govt Offices: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Skill & Quality Focus; PSRLM Tie-up with Hotel Management Colleges for 7-10 Days Professional Training, Pilot at Vit-Te-Yojana Bhawan Already Serving 26-Item Menu Successfully: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 5th November 2026:

In a major step towards grassroots women empowerment and pro-people governance, the Bhagwant Mann Government is launching 100 Self-Help Group (SHG)-managed canteens across major public institutions in the state. The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women while providing affordable, hygienic and home-style nutritious meals to everyday citizens, fulfilling a key promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during Women’s Day celebrations.

Sharing comprehensive details of the initiative while inaugurating the landmark project, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Under the visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, this state-wide initiative will serve as a powerful engine of socio-economic transformation. The State Government and Punjab State Rural Livelihoods Mission (PSRLM) are establishing 100 SHG-managed canteens across Punjab Roadways bus stands, tehsils, DC and MC offices, departmental headquarters and major public institutions across the state.”

Elaborating on the operational support being extended to Self-Help Groups, the Finance Minister said, “To ensure the success of these canteens, the Punjab Government is providing rent-free space, free electricity and water facilities in government offices. Kitchen equipment and utensils are also being provided to facilitate the smooth functioning of these units.”

Highlighting the focus on skill development and quality, he said, “PSRLM is collaborating with district Hotel Management Colleges to provide 7 to 10 days of professional culinary and canteen management training to SHG members. We have already witnessed the success of this model through a pilot canteen at Vit-Te-Yojana Bhawan, Sector 33, Chandigarh. Run by women from Mohali-based SHGs, the canteen is successfully serving fresh breakfast, lunch and a 26-item menu.”

“By expanding this initiative across 100 locations, we are creating a sustainable livelihood ecosystem for rural women across Punjab. It will secure dignified and regular livelihoods for thousands of women while ensuring that lakhs of everyday citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food,” noted Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Among others, ACS, Finance Alok Shekhar, Secretary, Rural Development Arshdeep Thind, JDC Rural Development Shena Aggarwal, Director (Treasury & Accounts) Aravind Kumar M.K., Member Secretary PDC Hargunjit Kaur, ACO PSRLM Rupali Tandon and Member PDC Vaibhav Maheshwari were also present on the occasion.

Punjab-Government-Harpal-Singh-Cheema-Women-Empowerment-Self-Help-Groups-Rural-Women-Development