Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, stated that Punjab has secured the second position at the national level in the disbursement of scholarships aimed at promoting education among Scheduled Caste (SC) and other students. While chairing a Tool Kit Distribution and Awareness Programme on welfare schemes for SC students at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali, covering six districts, the Cabinet Minister highlighted that nearly 10 lakh students have pursued education in their desired fields during the tenure of the Bhagwant Mann-led government.
She informed that the distribution of tool kits to ITI trainees is part of the Free Textbooks and Tool Kits Scheme for SC students, which is 100% funded by the Punjab Government. A total of 1506 ITI students will benefit under this initiative, with 630 students from districts including SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Ludhiana covered in the first phase across 32 Government ITIs.
Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, the Minister stated that the initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among youth, enabling them to achieve larger goals through skill-based employment. She further added that earlier only two districts in Punjab were covered under the Minority Scholarship Programme of the Government of India, but due to persistent efforts of the state government, the scheme has now been extended to all districts.
Reflecting on social progress, she noted that social reformers like Dr B. R. Ambedkar and the teachings of Sikhism have played a significant role in eliminating discrimination based on caste, and reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to uplifting economically weaker sections. MLAs Kulwant Singh and Kuljit Singh Randhawa appreciated the initiative, stating that the tool kits will help ITI trainees become self-reliant and earn livelihoods with dignity.
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing quality education and healthcare facilities to all. Principal Secretary V. K. Meena elaborated on various welfare schemes of the department, while Director Mrs Vimmie Bhullar welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted key aspects of the scheme.
ADC (Rural Development) Sonam Chaudhary delivered the vote of thanks and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to effectively implementing welfare schemes for the weaker sections.