early times report
Chandigarh, Dec 24: Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the year 2025 proved to be a historic milestone for the Punjab Government in strengthening social justice, equality and empowerment. Stating this, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the year, the government took concrete and people-centric decisions that gave new direction to the process of integrating socially and economically disadvantaged sections into the mainstream.
She said that throughout 2025, the government’s approach remained clear that social justice is not a mere policy document, but a moral responsibility. Focused efforts were made to ensure that no child, youth or family is deprived of opportunities due to poverty, caste or social backwardness.
During 2025, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme emerged as one of the strongest instruments of social justice. Applications from more than 2.62 lakh students belonging to the Scheduled Castes clearly reflected increased trust in government welfare schemes. With a budget provision of ₹245 crore, sincere efforts were made to liberate education from the constraints of poverty.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the renovation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute in 2025 was a symbolic as well as historic step. After nearly 30 years, major construction, repair and strengthening of basic infrastructure were undertaken at a cost of ₹147.49 lakh. In addition, ₹91 lakh was sanctioned for new works, transforming the institute from just a building into a true centre of opportunities.
She added that 2025 opened new avenues of skill development and entrepreneurial thinking for Scheduled Caste students. With the introduction of new courses at the Ambedkar Institute, the focus shifted towards making youth not just job seekers, but job creators.
The Minister further said that approval of two hostels for boys and girls belonging to backward categories at Punjabi University, Patiala, conveyed a strong message that education is not limited to classrooms alone, but safe and secure accommodation is equally essential.
During 2025, the Ashirwad Scheme became a ray of hope for thousands of families. By extending financial assistance to more than 38,000 beneficiaries, the government reaffirmed that daughters are not a burden, but a strength of society.
Allocating ₹13,987 crore from the state development budget exclusively for the welfare of Scheduled Castes remained one of the most significant policy achievements of 2025. This allocation marked a firm step towards translating social and economic development into reality.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that by providing financial assistance for inter-caste marriages during 2025, the Punjab Government delivered a clear message that discrimination has no place in society. This initiative symbolised a change in social mindset beyond mere legal provisions.
Concluding, the Minister said that 2025 firmly established the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to bringing socially and economically weaker sections into the mainstream. The year was not only about achievements, but also about laying a strong foundation for a new, inclusive and socially just Punjab. |
