Chandigarh, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Tuesday defended welfare schemes in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, saying that describing such initiatives as “freebies” insults the dignity and aspirations of ordinary people who benefit from them. She said people-centric welfare programmes are essential instruments of social justice, equality and inclusive development, not merely tools for electoral gains.
Speaking in the House while supporting the resolutions under discussion, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the primary objective of governance is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens and ensure that every section of society gets opportunities to progress. She asserted that development should not be measured solely by roads, buildings and infrastructure, but also by improvements in living standards, social security and people’s well-being.
Supporting the resolution moved by the Finance Minister, she said welfare schemes play a vital role in empowering weaker and marginalised sections of society. “When government initiatives bring dignity, security and opportunities to people’s lives, they cannot be termed as freebies,” she said.
Drawing an analogy with a garden, the Minister said it flourishes when there is a balance between its trees, flowers, birds and the people who enjoy its beauty. Similarly, she said, society can progress only when every section has the opportunity to grow and participate in development. Restricting access to welfare and opportunities, she added, undermines the balance required for inclusive growth.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had introduced several people-oriented initiatives aimed at strengthening social justice and empowering different sections of society. She said more than 10 lakh Scheduled Caste students had benefited from scholarship schemes over the past five years. She also referred to the Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, which she said had provided financial support and social dignity to lakhs of women.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, the Cabinet Minister said those who label welfare measures for ordinary citizens as “freebies” fail to understand the challenges faced by common families. Supporting people and improving their quality of life, she said, is a responsibility of a welfare state and an important measure of genuine development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that the strength of democracy lies with ordinary people, whose aspirations and participation shape the direction of governance. She said governments that work sincerely for public welfare, social justice and inclusive growth earn the trust and support of citizens.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to inclusive development, she said the aim is to ensure that the benefits of progress reach every household and every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity and self-respect.
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