Scholarship Assistance Giving New Wings to the Dreams of OBC Students, Creating a Strong Foundation for Continuing Education
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government Committed to Providing Equal Educational Opportunities to Every Child and Building a Rangla Punjab
Chandigarh, August 31:
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is working with firm determination to ensure that no deserving child is deprived of education due to financial constraints. She said that with this objective, various welfare initiatives are being implemented effectively to empower students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and strengthen their access to education.
The Cabinet Minister informed that under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for OBCs, scholarship assistance of ₹5.72 crore was released to 14,320 students during the financial year 2025-26. She said that this support has provided relief to thousands of students from financial burdens and enabled them to continue their studies without interruption.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that for the financial year 2026-27, an amount of ₹10 crore has been proposed to extend the benefits of the scheme to 25,000 OBC students. She said that this initiative will provide necessary financial assistance to more deserving students at the school level, enabling them to continue their education and pursue their dreams for a brighter future.
Highlighting the overall impact of the scheme, the Minister said that during the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, a total amount of ₹15.72 crore has been earmarked to benefit 39,320 OBC students. She said that this initiative reflects the State Government’s firm resolve to ensure that every eligible student gets an opportunity to pursue education without any financial barriers.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation and empowerment. She said that when children get equal opportunities to learn and grow, it not only brightens their future but also gives a new direction to the progress of families, society and the State.
The Minister further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is implementing people-oriented and transparent policies for the welfare of every section of society. She added that this investment in the education of children will serve as a strong foundation for an equal, prosperous, progressive and Rangla Punjab, where every child gets the opportunity to move ahead according to his or her abilities.This English version keeps the official PR department tone, retains the emotional connect, and uses “Rangla Punjab” correctly as a vision phrase.
