Chandigarh, March 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the social and economic upliftment of Backward Classes, the Punjab Government has established 11 new welfare boards.
This was stated by Chairman, Punjab State Backward Classes Commission, Sh. Malkit Singh Thind, while chairing a meeting with Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Members of the newly constituted boards at Punjab Bhawan. He said that with the support of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, several welfare initiatives are already underway and the newly formed boards will further strengthen outreach at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, officials of BACKFINCO informed that concessional loans are being provided to individuals from Backward Classes and economically weaker sections for self-employment activities such as grocery shops and dairy farming. Individuals aged between 18 to 55 years and residing in Punjab are eligible. In addition, education loans are also being provided to students with the support of NBCFDC.
Highlighting major schemes, it was informed that under the Ashirwad Scheme, ₹89 crore has been disbursed during 2025-26, benefiting 17,533 beneficiaries. Similarly, under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for OBC students, a budget of ₹12.59 crore has been earmarked, with 10,092 applications received through the NSP portal till February 15, 2026.
It was further informed that proposals have been sent to the Government of India for the construction of hostels for OBC boys and girls at Punjabi University, Patiala, and funds are expected soon. The department is also ensuring strict implementation of reservation policies for Backward Classes in government jobs and educational institutions.
Sh.Thind directed all board members to ensure that no eligible individual faces difficulty in obtaining Backward Class certificates and instructed that such cases be immediately taken up with the concerned district authorities.
Among those present were Sh. Sukhwinder Singh, Chairman, Kamboj Welfare Board; Sh. Bari Salmani alias Abdul Bari, Chairman, Punjab State Muslim Welfare Board; Sh. Ram Kumar Mukari, Chairman, Saini Welfare Board; Sh. Gurmeet Singh Bawa, Chairman, Vairagi Welfare Board; Retd. Brig. Raj Kumar, Chairman, Gujjar Welfare Board; Sh. Keshav Verma, Chairman, Swarnkar Welfare Board; Sh. Makhan Lal Pal, Chairman, Sain Samaj Welfare Board; Sh. Daniel Masih, Chairman, Masih Welfare Board; Sh. Satpal Singh Sokhi, Chairman, Ramgarhia Welfare Board; and Sh. Raju Kanojia, Chairman, Kanojia Welfare Board.
Nodal Officer of the Department of Social Justice, Sh. Sukhsagar Singh, and officials of BACKFINCO, including Sh. Sukhwinder Singh, were also present.
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