22 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab State Commission for Women has summoned senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Cabinet minister Sikander Singh Maluka over his alleged objectionable remarks concerning women and the Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana.
The commission has directed Maluka to appear before it on October 23 at 11 am. The matter has drawn attention in Punjab’s political circles, with questions being raised about the language used by public representatives while discussing women’s welfare schemes.
Commission Takes Action Over Alleged Remarks
The Punjab State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance of a video reportedly showing Maluka making remarks about the state government’s financial assistance scheme for women during a conversation with a journalist from a private news channel.
The commission considered the reported remarks objectionable and inappropriate towards women. It initiated proceedings to examine the matter and directed the concerned authorities to investigate the allegations.
Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill has been associated with the action taken in the case. The commission’s intervention highlights the importance of maintaining dignity and respect when discussing women and policies designed for their welfare.
Police Inquiry Ordered
The commission has also directed the concerned authorities to conduct an inquiry into the matter through an officer of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank.
The authorities have been asked to submit a report by October 23. The investigation is expected to examine the reported comments and establish the relevant facts before any further action is considered.
The commission’s proceedings are intended to assess the allegations, and the findings of the inquiry will be important in determining the next steps.
Controversy Over Women’s Financial Assistance Scheme
The controversy centres on the Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, a Punjab government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to women.
Maluka’s reported comments about the scheme attracted criticism after the video surfaced. The issue subsequently became a subject of political debate, with leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party questioning the nature of the remarks.
AAP Punjab spokesperson Baltej Pannu criticised the reported comments, arguing that women and beneficiaries of government welfare schemes deserve respect.
The issue has also brought attention to the wider political debate surrounding women’s welfare programmes and the manner in which political leaders discuss government initiatives.
Maluka Asked to Appear Before the Commission
The commission has summoned Maluka to appear on October 23 at 11 am in connection with the matter. The proceedings will provide an opportunity for the allegations to be examined and the relevant facts to be considered.
The commission’s next course of action will depend on the inquiry findings and the proceedings conducted in the case.
The controversy has renewed discussion about the responsibility of political leaders to exercise caution and use appropriate language while speaking about women, particularly in the context of public policies and welfare schemes.