Punjab Government Reaffirms Social Justice Commitment
Chandigarh, August 27 – The Punjab Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities. Chairing a high-level review meeting at Punjab Bhawan, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stressed that protecting the poor and marginalized remains the state’s top priority.
Dr. Kaur underlined that the Act must be enforced at the grassroots level so victims of caste-based atrocities receive timely and fair justice. She stated, “No injustice will be allowed against the poor and marginalized. The government stands firmly with every citizen who deserves dignity and protection under law.”
Review of SC/ST Act Enforcement and Welfare Schemes
During the meeting, officials from various departments and the police presented detailed progress reports on the implementation of the SC/ST Act. District-level vigilance and monitoring committees were also reviewed to ensure accountability.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including:
- District-wise implementation of the SC/ST Act
- Legal aid and compensation to victims
- Functioning of vigilance and monitoring committees
- Rehabilitation and financial support for victims
- Coordination between law enforcement agencies and district administrations
Dr. Kaur directed officials to hold regular review meetings at the district level and prepare time-bound reports. She also emphasized the importance of expediting pending court cases under the Act to ensure victims receive swift justice.
Focus on Education and Empowerment
The meeting also highlighted the government’s focus on education for Scheduled Caste students through the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme. MLAs present at the session praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Dr. Kaur for ensuring uninterrupted benefits to eligible students.
According to Dr. Kaur, more than 2 lakh SC students have already benefitted from the scheme, and the state has set a target to cover 2.7 lakh students in 2024–25. Adequate budgetary provisions have been made to support this goal.
The Minister stressed that social justice is not limited to legal safeguards. It also extends to education, employment, healthcare, and economic empowerment. By strengthening opportunities for marginalized youth, the government hopes to create a fairer and more inclusive society.
MLAs and Officials Praise Government Efforts
Several MLAs, including Principal Budh Ram, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, Dr. Charanjit Singh, Hakim Singh, Jeevan Singh Sanghowal, Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Kulwant Singh Pandori, and Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, attended the meeting. They lauded the government for its proactive approach to both legal safeguards and social welfare initiatives.
Senior officials from the Social Justice Department, Home Department, Finance Department, and the police were also present. Notable attendees included Shri V.K. Meena, Principal Secretary (Social Justice); Shri Ravinder Singh, Additional Secretary (Social Justice); Smt. Vimmi Bhullar, Director (Social Justice); Shri G.S. Sahota, Executive Director (Backfinco); Shri Naveen Saini, DIG (Crime); and Shri Parminder Singh, Director (National Commission for SC).
The MLAs appreciated the swift rollout of scholarships, calling it a transformative step for the state’s education system. They also endorsed the government’s broader welfare measures aimed at marginalized groups.
Government’s Pledge for Inclusive Growth
Reaffirming the state’s resolve, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that wherever shortcomings are identified, the government will take every possible step to address them. She noted that the High-Power Vigilance and Monitoring Committee continues to oversee implementation of the SC/ST Act at the ground level.
“Justice must be accessible, swift, and fair. At the same time, empowerment through education and economic opportunities is equally important,” she added.
The Minister concluded by thanking the MLAs and officials for their cooperation, while urging them to continue working in close coordination with local communities.