Bhagwant Govt expands education access & welfare schemes, ensures scholarships and opportunities reach every district: Dr Baljit Kaur
SAS NAGAR (25 March 2026): Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr Baljit Kaur on Wednesday stated that the Bhagwant Mann Government has ensured a major push to educational empowerment in Punjab, with the state securing the second position nationally in the disbursement of scholarships for Scheduled Caste and other students, while simultaneously expanding welfare schemes to reach every district and beneficiary.
Chairing a Tool Kit Distribution and Awareness Programme at Kalkat Bhawan in Mohali covering six districts, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur highlighted the scale of educational progress under the present government and said, “Punjab has secured the second position at the national level in the disbursement of scholarships aimed at promoting education among Scheduled Caste and other students. Nearly 10 lakh students have pursued education in their desired fields during the tenure of the Bhagwant Mann government.”
Underscoring the Bhagwant Mann government’s focus on skill development and self-reliance, she said, “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 SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana covered in the first phase across 32 Government ITIs.”
Emphasising the larger vision behind the initiative, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur added, “This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among youth, enabling them to achieve larger goals through skill-based employment.”
Highlighting the expansion of welfare coverage, she said, “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 Punjab Government, the scheme has now been extended to all districts.”
Reflecting on the broader social vision guiding these efforts, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur stated, “Social reformers like Babasaheb Ambedkar and the teachings of Sikhism have played a significant role in eliminating discrimination based on caste, and the Punjab Government is committed to uplifting economically weaker sections.”
MLA Kulwant Singh and MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa also appreciated the initiative and said, “The tool kits will help ITI trainees become self-reliant and earn livelihoods with dignity. The Punjab Government remains committed to providing quality education and healthcare facilities to all.”
Principal Secretary V. K. Meena elaborated on various welfare schemes of the department, while Director Vimmi 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 weaker sections.
