Punjab Government Waives Loans Worth ₹8.72 Crore for SC Families, Expands Ashirwad Scheme Support
Punjab Waives ₹8.72 Crore in Loans for 505 SC Families, Disburses Aid Under Ashirwad Scheme
MALOUT/CHANDIGARH, July 1, 2025: In a significant step toward empowering the marginalized communities, the Punjab Government on Monday handed over loan waiver certificates worth ₹8.72 crore to 505 families from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. The move was led by Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, at a special event organized at K.G. Palace, Malout.
Reinforcing the state’s commitment to the underprivileged, the Minister also distributed approval letters worth ₹71.40 lakh under the Ashirwad Scheme to 140 beneficiaries, with each family receiving a financial aid of ₹51,000 for marriage support.
Loan Waiver Aimed at Uplifting Economically Weaker Sections
The loan waiver covers all debts sanctioned by the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) up to March 31, 2020. This relief package includes not only the principal loan amount but also accrued interest and penal charges, providing borrowers from SC and differently-abled categories with a fresh financial start.
“For the first time in Punjab’s history, such significant financial relief has been extended to Scheduled Caste families. Every rupee spent is for public welfare,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur during the distribution ceremony.
She emphasized that the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of ensuring inclusive development and budget prioritization for the common people.
‘No Dues’ Certificates Issued to Beneficiaries
To formalize the waiver, ‘No Dues’ certificates have been issued to all eligible families, ensuring that no recovery proceedings will be undertaken by PSCFC under existing rules. Dr. Kaur assured that the entire outstanding principal, interest, and penal interest will be repaid to PSCFC by the April 30, 2025 deadline, thereby completing the financial settlement in a transparent and accountable manner.
Strengthening Social Security Through the Ashirwad Scheme
In addition to the loan waivers, the Ashirwad Scheme — aimed at providing marriage grants to daughters of SC families — saw the disbursement of ₹71.40 lakh on the same day. Dr. Kaur reaffirmed that such social security initiatives were crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering the next generation with better life opportunities.
State’s Focused Push for Inclusive Growth
The event witnessed a strong turnout, including government officials, village leaders, and representatives of various SC communities. Among the dignitaries present were:
- District Welfare Officer Jagmohan Singh
- Personal Assistants Arshdeep Singh Sidhu and Shinderpal Singh
- Ramesh Singh Arniwala, Sukhpal Singh (President, Truck Union), and several village sarpanches
This loan waiver is the latest in a series of welfare initiatives rolled out under Punjab’s inclusive governance model, which has seen increased budgetary allocation for social justice, education, and employment schemes targeting backward and disadvantaged communities.