Over 2.62 Lakh Students Apply under the Scheme, Ensuring Equal Opportunities through Education
Education Is Not Just a Scheme but the Foundation of Social Justice — Government’s Firm Commitment
Chandigarh, December 27:
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously taking historic steps to bring students from deprived and backward sections into the mainstream and to make them self-reliant through education. This was stated by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing details, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that ₹4.77 crore has been released so far under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students, ensuring that no student is forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints.
She informed that 2,62,373 students across the state have applied under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, which clearly reflects that the government’s education welfare initiatives are effectively reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that a budget provision of ₹245 crore has been made for the scheme during the financial year 2025–26, highlighting the seriousness, sensitivity and long-term vision of the government towards strengthening education.
The Cabinet Minister also shared that during the previous financial year, financial assistance was provided to 2,37,456 students under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme.
Emphasising the government’s approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that for the Mann Government, education is not merely a government scheme but the strong foundation of social justice. She reiterated the firm commitment of the government that no poor or deprived student should be compelled to drop out of education due to economic hardships.
She added that through the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the state government is strongly supporting the aspirations of students who wish to transform their families and society through the power of education. The government stands firmly with every child who aspires to move forward and build a strong identity through education.
