CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has allocated Rs. 92 crore from the 2024-25 budget under the Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students scheme for government institutions.
Providing more details, the Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the Punjab Government had released ₹366.00 crore during the 2023-24 fiscal year to clear dues under the Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students scheme for the years 2017-18 to 2019-20. Now, an additional ₹92.00 crore has been released to settle the outstanding dues for government institutions.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of Scheduled Caste students and ensuring their rights. Under this scheme, Scheduled Caste students studying in Punjab's government institutions or enrolled in institutions in other states will receive the dues to cover their educational expenses. This amount will support the students continuity of their education.
The Cabinet Minister stated that the responsibility for disbursing this amount to various government institutions and ensuring its proper utilization has been assigned to the Administrative Department. This department will be accountable for the appropriate use of these funds.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for social change. The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no student is forced to discontinue their education due to financial constraints. She added that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully dedicated to the welfare of Scheduled Caste students.