Jalandhar, April 16, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on previous Congress and SAD-BJP governments for misappropriating scholarships meant for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
He said that unlike past regimes that forced students to protest for their rights, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has ensured that every eligible student receives their scholarship benefits without delay.
Addressing a press conference, Bhagat said, “The seamless disbursement of scholarships to SC/ST students today is a result of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology. Every student under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme is continuing their education without interruption.”
The Minister further emphasized a historic move by the AAP government; implementing, for the first time, reservation in appointments to the Punjab Advocate General’s Office. “A total of 58 posts have been placed under recruitment under reservation policy, a demand ignored by past governments despite AAP raising it in the Assembly as early as 2017,” he said.
Mr. Bhagat added that the Government has also eased the income eligibility by 50%, facilitating inclusion of SC/ST advocates in senior legal positions such as Additional, Deputy, and Assistant Advocate General.
He also highlighted the state’s tribute to Dr. Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary, celebrated at both district and state levels. “From ensuring education to elevating leadership roles, the AAP government is always committed when it comes to empowering the SC community,” Bhagat said.
With six SC ministers in the Punjab Cabinet, the AAP government, he added, is actively delivering on the promise of inclusive governance and Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of social justice and equality. AAP District President Amritpal Singh was also present on the occasion.
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