The Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes & Minority Welfare Minister, Punjab,Sadhu Singh Dharamsot today demanded the release of Rs. 1048.24 crore pertaining to Post-Matric scholarship for SC students of Punjab by the Union Government.After his meeting with the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot at New Delhi, Mr. Dharamsot said that the purpose of his meeting with the Union minister was to press for the speedy release of the balance amount to the tune of Rs. 1048.24 crore due from the Union Government concerning Post-Matric scholarship for SC students. He said that the amount is aimed at the development of scheduled castes.Divulging more, Mr. Dharamsot said that for the year 2015-2016 under the Post-Matric scholarship for SC students a sum of Rs. 328.72 crore and for the year 2016-2017 Rs. 719.52 crore are due from the Union Government.Mr. Dharamsot also detailed that the Congress Government is committed to ensure that the benefits of the multitude of welfare schemes reach the SC, BC and Minorities. He also elaborated that the user certificates with regard to the amount released by the Union government so far concerning various welfare centric schemes of Punjab have been sent to the Union Government. He also said that the Union Minister has assured the sooner release of the balance amount.On the occasion, Principal Secretary, Welfare Department, Punjab Mr. R. Venkat Ratnam, Director Welfare Department Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Deputy Director Welfare Department Mr. Jaswinder Singh Gill were also present.