In a significant push to bring students from deprived sections into the mainstream, the Punjab government has detailed its substantial financial commitment to education through welfare schemes. Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, on Saturday, underscored the state's efforts to make students self-reliant and ensure no one drops out due to financial constraints.
Substantial Funds Released for Student Support
The minister revealed that a sum of ₹4.77 crore has already been disbursed under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme specifically for scheduled caste students. This initiative is a core part of the government's strategy to remove economic barriers to higher education. Dr Kaur emphasized that the administration's goal is to ensure that financial hardship does not force any student to discontinue their studies.
She provided concrete data on the scheme's reach, informing that a total of 2,62,373 students from across Punjab have applied for the scholarship this year. This high number of applications, according to the minister, clearly indicates that the government's education welfare programs are successfully reaching their intended beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
Long-Term Vision with a ₹245 Crore Budget
Highlighting the government's long-term vision and sensitivity towards education, Dr Baljit Kaur shared that a substantial budget provision of ₹245 crore has been earmarked for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for the upcoming financial year 2025-26. This allocation signifies the administration's serious commitment to strengthening the educational foundation for underprivileged sections.
Reflecting on the previous year's performance, the minister stated that financial assistance was successfully provided to 237,456 students under the same scheme, demonstrating a consistent and wide-reaching implementation.
Education as a Foundation for Social Justice
Dr Kaur elaborated on the philosophical approach of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government, stating that for them, education is not merely a scheme but the strong foundation of social justice. She reiterated the government's firm commitment that no poor or deprived student should be compelled to abandon their education because of economic hardships.
The minister further added that through this scholarship scheme, the state is actively supporting the aspirations of countless students who aim to transform the fortunes of their families and society at large through the power of education. The government stands firmly with every child who aspires to advance and build a strong identity through learning, she affirmed, reinforcing the message of empowerment and inclusion.
