Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, March 26-
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed gratitude towards AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting a people-centric budget that prioritizes the upliftment of marginalized communities. She highlighted significant measures introduced in the budget to support Scheduled Castes, women, and underprivileged families.
The government has waived loans taken by Scheduled Caste families up to March 31, 2020, under the Scheduled Caste Land Development and Finance Corporation, amounting to 70 crore. This decision benefits over 5,000 families who were unable to repay due to high interest rates and economic hardships.
The state has allocated 13,987 crore for Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan initiatives. Dr. Kaur commended this unprecedented move aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Key allocations include ₹262 crore for scholarships to SC and backward class students, 36 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for marriage assistance to girls from underprivileged families and 6,175 crore for social welfare programs benefiting women, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and divorced or single women.