In a major boost to inclusive rural development, Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today announced that the Punjab Government has released ₹72.21 crore under the Adarsh Gram Yojana for the development of villages having 40 per cent or more Scheduled Caste population across the State.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to building a 'Rangla Punjab' where every village enjoys equal opportunities for growth and access to quality infrastructure.
She said the Government is consistently working to bridge developmental gaps, strengthen basic civic amenities and ensure that the benefits of progress reach every household, especially those belonging to socially and economically weaker sections.
The Minister informed that administrative approval has been accorded for 3,763 villages to conduct household surveys, prepare Village Development Plans (VDPs) and undertake other planning-related activities. She further said that 242 newly selected villages have also been sanctioned a gap-filling grant of ₹20 lakh each, which will be utilised to address local infrastructure needs identified through the Village Development Plans.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that the scheme places special emphasis on convergence with various ongoing development programmes so that available resources can be utilised in an integrated and result-oriented manner. She added that District-Level Committees headed by the Deputy Commissioners will ensure effective planning, timely execution and optimum utilisation of funds to maximise developmental outcomes.
The Minister added that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities is making sustained efforts to transform Scheduled Caste-majority villages into model villages by improving essential infrastructure, expanding public amenities and creating an environment that promotes dignity, opportunity and a better quality of life for every resident.