Punjab Government Allocates 97.6% of SC Welfare Budget, Says Minister Baljeet Kaur
Punjabs Baljeet Kaur highlights significant budget allocation for SC welfare amid calls for transparency and accountability.
Chandigarh, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Punjab’s Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur has emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in welfare initiatives for the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Speaking in Chandigarh, she expressed her sorrow over a recent incident in Mansa and urged against politicizing such matters. Dr. Kaur also raised concerns about the credibility of the State Information Report (SIR) and its implications for upcoming elections in Punjab.
The minister reported that the Punjab government has successfully spent 97.6% of the SC sub-plan budget of ₹13,987.16 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. For the following year, the government has allocated ₹17,700 crore specifically for the welfare of the SC community. She stated that departments lagging in expenditure have been instructed to collaborate on schemes that ensure full utilization of funds for SC welfare.
To promote education among girls, the government has introduced scholarships. Additionally, she highlighted the establishment of youth clubs in the sports department, ensuring that SC children have opportunities to participate. Dr. Kaur noted the importance of analyzing infrastructure projects, particularly in villages with a significant SC population, to assess the progress of road construction.
Addressing law and order, Dr. Kaur acknowledged that tensions can escalate in households, leading to violence. Nevertheless, she assured that the Mann government is dedicated to maintaining public safety.
A senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, Baltej Singh Pannu, reiterated the party’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities. He emphasized that law enforcement would act decisively against any individual involved in unlawful conduct. Pannu addressed the Mansa incident and the demolition of Ashwini Kumar’s house by local authorities, affirming that the police would take appropriate action against drug-related crimes.
He also pointed out that since the AAP government took office, there has been no interference in police operations, which led to the swift arrest of a murder suspect within 24 hours. Pannu assured that all actions taken are under the administration’s purview.
