Chandigarh, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said the state government has set a target of extending benefits under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme to nearly 2.70 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) students during 2026-27, with ₹245 crore proposed for the scheme.
She said the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent deserving SC students from pursuing higher education.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the scheme is being implemented with a focus on transparency and access, enabling students from economically weaker sections to continue their studies and pursue their aspirations.
Highlighting its reach, the Minister said the number of students benefiting from the scheme increased by 40 per cent in 2025-26 compared with 2020-21.
She also referred to a special awareness programme organised on January 30, 2026, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. More than 10,000 students participated in the programme, which aimed to inform them about the scheme and encourage them to apply for its benefits.
The Minister said applications are being processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to make the process more convenient for students. She added that efforts are being made to provide information about the application procedure, address technical difficulties and improve awareness.
Dr Baljit Kaur said officials and educational institutions had been directed to extend full assistance to eligible students so that no beneficiary misses out because of a lack of information or procedural hurdles.
She said the government’s objective goes beyond providing financial assistance, as education is also intended to help SC students become self-reliant and empowered and participate more fully in society.
Describing education as an important instrument of social equality, economic progress and empowerment, the Minister said expanding access to higher education would help young people realise their potential and contribute to the development of Punjab.
Dr Baljit Kaur appealed to students to make full use of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, continue their higher education with dedication and contribute towards building a progressive and Rangla Punjab. She reiterated that the state government was committed to ensuring that financial constraints did not stand in the way of eligible students’ education.
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