Chandigarh, 31 December 2024: The Punjab government allocated ₹229.93 crore to 45,083 beneficiaries through the Ashirwad Scheme in 2024, as announced by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Scheduled Castes received ₹294.11 crore, while ₹156.72 crore went to individuals from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections.
Dr. Kaur underscored the state’s commitment to uplifting Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and minorities under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership. To enhance transparency, the application process for the Ashirwad Scheme has moved online via ashirwad.punjab.gov.in.
Additional initiatives include significant investments in education and community development. For the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme, ₹245 crore was set aside for 2024-25, with ₹92 crore allocated to cover 40% of the outstanding fees for Scheduled Caste students from 2017-20.
This initiative benefited students across Punjab and other states. Moreover, 2.38 lakh new students were registered under the scheme, aiming for an enrollment target of 2.60 lakh.
Infrastructure development also saw a boost, with ₹593.69 lakh dedicated to constructing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran and ₹200 crore allocated for renovating Ambedkar Bhawans in six districts.
Besides, ₹39.69 crore was disbursed for free textbooks for Scheduled Caste students in grades 1 to 10.
Self-reliance programs provided financial aid as well. The Punjab Scheduled Caste Development and Finance Corporation distributed ₹6.62 crore in loans and subsidies to 382 beneficiaries under self-employment schemes. The Backward Classes Development and Finance Corporation extended loans totaling ₹2.36 crore to 87 recipients.
Under the Adarsh Gram Component of the Scheduled Caste Abhiyuda Yojana, ₹39.98 crore was released for rural development, aimed at uplifting Scheduled Caste communities.
Dr. Kaur reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure equitable progress and improve the quality of life for marginalized groups in Punjab.
