Punjab Government’s Strong Commitment to Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Marginalized Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Strict Monitoring of SC Sub-Plan Directed to Ensure Effective Utilization of Funds
Faster Disbursal under Post-Matric and Aashirwad Schemes Ordered
Chandigarh, November 12 (WISHAVWARTA):- Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is firmly committed to the welfare and upliftment of Scheduled Castes and marginalized sections of society.
Presiding over a meeting with senior officers of the Social Justice Department, Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the progress of works being undertaken under the SC Sub-Plan. She directed that all departments must promptly submit reports detailing the steps being taken to ensure that funds released under the plan directly benefit members of the Scheduled Caste community. The Minister emphasized that the allocated SCSP budget should be utilized solely for the welfare of the SC population, and officers must ensure strict monitoring of works executed under this plan.
Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed the officials that the Department of Social Justice is dedicated to the welfare of economically weaker and disadvantaged sections of society. Therefore, any kind of negligence or laxity in implementing these schemes will not be tolerated, and action will be taken against any officer found guilty of dereliction of duty.
The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government strongly believes in the principles of social justice and equal opportunity. She said that every welfare initiative of the State Government is aimed at improving the lives of common people, particularly those belonging to backward and marginalized sections. Dr. Baljit Kaur added that the Government is committed to ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left out of the ambit of welfare schemes and that assistance reaches every household in a timely manner.
During the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur also reviewed the progress of key schemes, including the Post Matric Scholarship, Aashirwad Scheme, and the construction and renovation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawans. She directed officials to ensure timely verification of applications received on departmental portals and prompt disbursal of payments. Departmental officers apprised the Minister that approximately 2.45 lakh applications have been received on the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar portal for the Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students Scheme for the year 2025–26, and the process of verification and payment is underway.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further directed that awareness camps be organized in every district to disseminate information about government welfare schemes so that a larger number of eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of these benefits.
Prominent among those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Mr. V.K. Meena, Additional Secretary Mr. Ravinder Singh, Director Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Deputy Director Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Mannan, and Nodal Officers Mr. Ravinderpal Singh, Mr. Suksagar Singh, Mr. Harpal Singh Gill, and Mrs. Livpreet Kaur, Research Officer.
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