Punjab Government to open 100+ Self-Help Group canteens, with no rent or bills, to promote women’s empowerment and financial independence.

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has taken another significant step towards promoting women’s economic independence by announcing plans to open more than 100 canteens operated by women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across government offices in the state.

As part of this initiative, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema inaugurated a new open canteen run by a Self-Help Group at the Finance and Planning Bhawan in Chandigarh. The initiative aims to provide women with better opportunities to earn a livelihood, manage businesses and become financially independent.

Harpal Singh Cheema Inaugurates Self-Help Group Canteen in Chandigarh

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema inaugurated the newly established open canteen at the Finance and Planning Bhawan, Chandigarh. The canteen will be operated by women members of a Self-Help Group, providing them with an opportunity to run their own business.

The Mann Government plans to expand this initiative across Punjab by establishing more than 100 similar canteens in government offices. These facilities will create new income-generating opportunities for women associated with Self-Help Groups.

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ਮਹਿਲਾ ਸ਼ਕਤੀਕਰਨ ਵੱਲ ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਕਦਮ !!

ਕੈਬਿਨੇਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ @HarpalCheemaMLA ਨੇ ਅੱਜ ਵਿੱਤ ਤੇ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਭਵਨ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੈਲਫ਼ ਹੈਲਪ ਗਰੁੱਪ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸੰਚਾਲਿਤ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੀ ਨਵੀਂ ਕੰਟੀਨ ਦਾ ਉਦਘਾਟਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸੈਲਫ਼ ਹੈਲਪ ਗਰੁੱਪ ਚਲਾਉਂਦੀਆਂ ਮਹਿਲਾਵਾਂ ਲਈ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਦਫ਼ਤਰਾਂ ‘ਚ ਅਜਿਹੀਆਂ 100 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਕੰਟੀਨਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਜਾਣਗੀਆਂ। ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੰਟੀਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਸੰਚਾਲਕਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਕਿਸਮ ਦਾ ਬਿਲ ਤੇ ਕਿਰਾਇਆ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਿਆ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਕਦਮ ਮਹਿਲਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਤਮ ਨਿਰਭਰ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵੱਲ ਵੱਡਾ ਕਦਮ ਹੈ।

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) November 5, 2026

The initiative is being seen as an important step towards strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and encouraging women’s participation in economic activities.

No Rent or Bills for Women Operating Canteens

One of the key highlights of the initiative is that women operating these canteens will not have to pay any rent or bills. The Punjab Government has decided to provide this support without imposing additional financial charges on the operators.

This arrangement will help Self-Help Groups operate their canteens without the burden of rent and utility bills. It will also allow women to focus on managing their businesses and improving their earnings.

Through this decision, the government aims to make self-employment more accessible and financially viable for women across the state.

Mann Government Focuses on Women’s Financial Independence

The plan to establish over 100 canteens reflects the Punjab Government’s broader approach towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. By providing space in government offices, the initiative will help Self-Help Groups connect with regular customers and gain practical business experience.

The Punjab Women Empowerment initiative is expected to encourage more women to participate in entrepreneurship and become financially self-reliant.

Such opportunities can also help strengthen Self-Help Groups by expanding their economic activities and creating a supportive environment for women-led businesses.

A New Opportunity for Women-Led Businesses in Punjab

The inauguration of the Chandigarh canteen by Harpal Singh Cheema marks the beginning of an initiative that aims to benefit women associated with Self-Help Groups across Punjab.

With more than 100 proposed canteens, the Punjab Women Empowerment drive aims to provide women with practical business opportunities without the financial pressure of rent or bills.

The Punjab Women Empowerment initiative highlights the Mann Government’s focus on promoting self-employment, supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening their financial independence. The expansion of these canteens could provide a new platform for women to build sustainable livelihoods.