Chandigarh, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Punjab BJP leader and former Union Minister Vijay Sampla has welcomed the Centre’s decision to extend the pre-matric scholarship scheme to children of sanitation workers and waste pickers, describing it as an important step towards expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged families.
In a statement issued from the BJP office in Chandigarh, Sampla said the initiative of the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would provide greater educational opportunities to children from families that have faced economic and social challenges over generations.
Sampla urged the Punjab Government and the Education Department to act promptly on the details of eligible students shared by the Centre. He called for verification of the records, preparation of a complete list of eligible children and timely submission of their scholarship applications.
He said no deserving student should miss out on the scheme because of a lack of information or procedural delays.
According to Sampla, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken the initiative under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) to extend pre-matric scholarships to children of verified sanitation workers and waste pickers. Details of eligible children have been shared with states and Union Territories to facilitate implementation and ensure that beneficiaries receive the assistance.
The report cited by Sampla states that around 90,000 sewer and septic tank workers and more than 2.5 lakh waste pickers have been verified so far. The next phase is also being extended to sanitation workers in rural areas and those involved in drain cleaning.
Sampla said education remained a key avenue for creating better opportunities for the next generation. Financial assistance for the children of sanitation workers, he added, could help them continue their studies while easing the financial burden on their families.
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