The Punjab Government has allocated a dedicated fund of Rs. 2113.09 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and for the welfare of economic weaker sections of the society besides issuing strict directions for speedy and proper implementation of SC Sub Plan and welfare schemes in the state. Disclosing this here today, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for SC/BC Welfare, said that Punjab Government would strictly implement the SC Sub Plan in the state to provide benefits of the scheme at ground level. He said that Rs. 2113.09 crores would be spent under the SC Sub Plan for the welfare of Scheduled Castes facilitating them all necessary benefits. He said that in the budget for current 2012-13 session Rs. 1284.62 crore out of total 2113.09 crore would be spent through Welfare Department under various welfare schemes while the Finance Department would control the remaining 824.47 crore, which would be spend on the development of basic infrastructure to be provided to the beneficiaries.Speaking about the already existing welfare schemes for the different sections of the society, Ranike said that the SAD-BJP government is successfully running the welfare schemes for SC/BCs, Minorities and other economically weaker sections of the society including shagun scheme, scholarships, free power and pensions. He said that Punjab Government has been providing Rs. 15000 financial help as Shagun to the girls belonging to SC/BC Communities, Christians and economically weaker families of other communities. He said that the state government has made the process of getting Shagun more easy by disbursing the amount directly in the bank account of beneficiary He said that now the applicants would have to submit their applications before 15 days of marriage. Ranike asserted that Punjab Government was very particular for the speedy and proper implementation of welfare schemes so no carelessness would be tolerated in this regard. He said that necessary directions in this regard have already been issued to all Principal Secretary, Commissioners of pisions, Deputy Commissioners and other concerned officers.