Chandigarh: Reaffirming its resolve in direction of social justice and inclusive growth, the Punjab Authorities immediately performed a high-level overview assembly of the State Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) at Punjab Bhawan underneath the chairpersonship of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Senior officers from varied departments participated within the assembly and reviewed monetary progress, implementation of welfare schemes, beneficiary protection and future methods for strengthening SC-focused interventions.
Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Authorities is dedicated to making sure that sources allotted for the welfare of Scheduled Castes are utilised successfully and translate into seen enhancements within the lives of individuals. She mentioned the Authorities’s strategy is concentrated on empowering communities by way of higher entry to schooling, employment, ability growth, livelihood alternatives and social safety.
In the course of the overview assembly, the Minister knowledgeable that underneath the State Scheduled Castes Sub Plan for 2025-26, in opposition to the overall funds provision of ₹13,987.16 crore, 97.6 per cent funds have been utilised. She mentioned that for the monetary 12 months 2026-27, ₹17,700 crore has been supplied for Scheduled Castes welfare, which constitutes 35.23 per cent of the State’s whole growth funds, reflecting the Punjab Authorities’s dedication in direction of equitable progress and social upliftment.
Reviewing the progress for the interval from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026, Dr. Baljit Kaur knowledgeable that 36.6 per cent expenditure has been incurred in opposition to the funds estimates through the first half of the monetary 12 months. She directed departments to speed up implementation, full pending targets inside timelines and guarantee environment friendly utilisation of the remaining funds.
The Minister appreciated the departments which have proven commendable efficiency in implementing SCSP initiatives and reaching efficient fund utilisation. She additionally directed departments with comparatively decrease progress to accord particular consideration in direction of planning, execution and monitoring of SCSP-related schemes. Highlighting the importance of targeted efforts, she mentioned that Punjab has the best proportion of Scheduled Caste inhabitants amongst all States within the nation, subsequently each division should work with better accountability and sensitivity to make sure most outreach of welfare initiatives.
In the course of the overview of main schemes, it was knowledgeable that Submit Matric Scholarship Scheme achieved 103.81 per cent funds utilisation, Dairy Farming Scheme recorded 100 per cent utilisation and Ashirwad Scheme registered 93.58 per cent utilisation. Dr. Baljit Kaur appreciated the departments for his or her efficiency and emphasised that profitable implementation of welfare programmes must be measured by way of the optimistic impression created amongst beneficiaries.
The Minister directed all departments to keep up up to date and verified beneficiary information, together with district-wise and scheme-wise particulars, to strengthen monitoring and allow efficient evaluation of SCSP outcomes. She mentioned correct information would assist in figuring out gaps and guaranteeing that future interventions are designed in accordance with the precise wants of Scheduled Caste communities.
To reinforce accountability, Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed that the progress of departments displaying slower utilisation must be reviewed often. She additionally directed that District-Stage Monitoring and Vigilance Committees ought to maintain 4 conferences yearly to make sure efficient supervision, correct utilisation of funds and well timed corrective measures wherever required.
Emphasising the significance of sustainable empowerment, the Minister referred to as upon main departments to formulate progressive and need-based schemes for Scheduled Castes in sectors together with schooling, ability growth, employment, self-employment, housing, agriculture, entrepreneurship and financial development. She mentioned such initiatives would create stronger alternatives for SC youth, ladies and households to attain self-reliance and take part actively in Punjab’s progress story.
Dr. Baljit Kaur additional directed departments to appoint devoted SCSP Nodal Officers for well timed reporting, information reconciliation and improved coordination. She mentioned a strong monitoring framework is important for guaranteeing transparency, effectivity and higher supply of presidency initiatives.
Reiterating the Punjab Authorities’s dedication, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that underneath the management of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State will proceed to strengthen social justice programmes and create pathways for inclusive progress.
“The precedence of the Punjab Authorities is that each rupee allotted for Scheduled Castes welfare is utilised with full transparency and reaches the supposed beneficiaries. By strengthening schooling, employment alternatives, financial empowerment and social safety, we’re working in direction of constructing a extra equitable and empowered Punjab,” she added.
On the event, Particular Chief Secretary, Division of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Ms. Raji P. Srivastava, Director Ms. Vimmi Bhullar, together with senior officers of the Division of Social Justice and representatives from varied different departments, have been current within the assembly.
