Punjab Advocates Policy Reforms and Enhanced Support for SC, BC, and Minority Welfare
At the National Chintan Shivir held in Dehradun, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, presented a compelling case for policy reforms and enhanced support for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and Minority communities. Representing Punjab, Dr. Kaur highlighted the state’s commitment under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to the inclusive development of marginalized groups.
Key Issues Addressed:
- Scholarship Scheme Reforms: Dr. Kaur proposed revising the current income ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh for scholarship eligibility, suggesting that the existing limit is outdated. She also addressed delays in the disbursement of funds for the years 2017 to 2020, urging the central government to release the pending amounts promptly. Additionally, she called for an increase in scholarship amounts for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) to meet their growing educational needs.
- Adarsh Gram Yojana Funding: Punjab identified 3,293 villages under the Adarsh Gram Yojana, requiring ₹684 crore in funding. However, only ₹101 crore has been released so far. Dr. Kaur urged the central government to expedite the release of the remaining funds and recommended increasing the per-village grant from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore to ensure effective development.
- Transparency in Housing Schemes: Expressing concerns over the lack of transparency in beneficiary selection at the panchayat level for housing schemes, Dr. Kaur advocated for the Department of Social Justice to oversee beneficiary identification and monitoring. This measure aims to ensure fair and efficient implementation of housing schemes for SC and economically weaker sections.
Punjab’s Initiatives and Achievements:
Dr. Kaur also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government:
- Ashirwad Scheme: Financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters from SC, BC, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) families, benefiting two girls per family. In the current financial year, ₹229.93 crore has been distributed to 45,083 beneficiaries, including 29,411 from SCs and 15,672 from BCs and EWS.
- Loan Waiver for SC Beneficiaries: Loans worth ₹70 crore availed by SC beneficiaries have been waived, benefiting over 5,000 individuals and providing them with a fresh start.
- Sign Language Interpretation: Punjab became the first state to introduce sign language interpretation for live telecasts of Assembly proceedings, promoting inclusivity for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
- Project Jeevan Jot: Launched in 2024, this initiative has rescued and rehabilitated 268 child beggars, ensuring they receive education, nutrition, and healthcare. Nineteen children are currently in government-run homes, while others have been reunited with their families.
Conclusion:
Dr. Baljit Kaur’s participation in the National Chintan Shivir underscores Punjab’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by SC, BC, and Minority communities. By advocating for policy reforms, increased funding, and enhanced transparency, Punjab aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every underprivileged and marginalized individual.