Punjab Government’s Focus on Uplifting Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Minorities in 2024
Comprehensive Development Initiatives for Marginalized Communities
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched significant initiatives in 2024 aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Minority Communities, focusing on educational, social, and economic growth.
A major step in this direction is the allocation of ₹245 crore for the Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students in the 2024-25 fiscal year, benefiting approximately 2.60 lakh students. In addition, ₹92 crore has been released to clear 40% of the outstanding fees for SC students from 2017-18 to 2019-20, ensuring timely financial support for those in both government and out-of-state institutions. The scheme has garnered strong engagement, with nearly 2.38 lakh students newly registered online.
The government’s Ashirwad Scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to underprivileged families, has already distributed ₹229.93 crore to 45,083 beneficiaries, including 29,411 from Scheduled Castes and 15,672 from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections. With a fully digital application process available at ashirwad.punjab.gov.in, the scheme offers greater accessibility and transparency.
In addition to economic support, the government is committed to cultural and educational empowerment. An allocation of ₹593.69 lakh has been made for constructing the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran, while ₹200 crore is dedicated to renovating Ambedkar Bhawans across six districts. Furthermore, ₹39.69 crore has been set aside for the Free Textbook Supply Scheme, ensuring that SC students in classes 1 to 10 have access to essential learning resources.
The Punjab Government has also prioritized rural development through the release of ₹39.98 crore under the Model Village Component of the Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana, aimed at enhancing infrastructure in underserved villages.
Youth empowerment remains a central focus, with the Punjab Scheduled Castes Development and Finance Corporation disbursing ₹6.62 crore in loans to 382 beneficiaries for self-employment schemes. Similarly, the Punjab Backward Classes and Development Corporation has provided ₹2.36 crore in loans to 87 beneficiaries, fostering entrepreneurship.
These initiatives represent the Punjab Government’s continued commitment to ensuring marginalized communities have the tools, resources, and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly developing state, creating an inclusive and empowered Punjab for all.