Chandigarh, March 26, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed gratitude towards AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting a people-centric budget that prioritizes the upliftment of marginalized communities. She highlighted significant measures introduced in the budget to support Scheduled Castes, women, and underprivileged families.
The government has waived loans taken by Scheduled Caste families up to March 31, 2020, under the Scheduled Caste Land Development and Finance Corporation, amounting to ₹70 crore. This decision benefits over 5,000 families who were unable to repay due to high interest rates and economic hardships.
The state has allocated ₹13,987 crore for Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan initiatives. Dr. Kaur commended this unprecedented move aimed at empowering marginalized communities.
Key allocations include ₹262 crore for scholarships to SC and backward class students, ₹36 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for marriage assistance to girls from underprivileged families and ₹6,175 crore for social welfare programs benefiting women, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and divorced or single women.
Dr. Kaur also lauded the budgetary provision of ₹170 crore for the establishment of a medical college and an agricultural college under the Jan Vikas program, which aims to provide educational opportunities to marginalized communities.
For women’s empowerment, the government has allocated ₹450 crore to continue free bus services and ₹1,177 crore under the Poshan Abhiyaan to provide nutritious food to women and children at Anganwadi centers.
The minister emphasized that this budget reflects the Mann government’s commitment to equitable development and social justice. She extended her heartfelt congratulations to Punjab residents, thanking CM Bhagwant Mann and FM Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting a visionary budget aimed at uplifting the underprivileged and marginalized.
