Mann Government Strengthens Social Justice and Inclusive Welfare Across Punjab: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Welfare Boards to Act as Effective Link Between Government and Communities, Says Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, Feb 10:
Under the decisive leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is implementing decisive, time-bound and result-oriented measures to safeguard the interests of all sections of society and to reinforce the framework of social justice and empowerment across the state. This was stated by the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Presiding over the introductory meeting with the newly appointed Chairpersons of various Welfare Boards at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Baljit Kaur categorically stated that Welfare Boards must function proactively, responsibly and in close coordination with the government. She directed the Chairpersons to systematically identify the issues, demands and priorities of their respective communities and ensure that these are addressed through timely and effective administrative action.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the Chairpersons of different Welfare Boards and issued clear and time-bound directions to the concerned officials, while also seeking regular compliance reports, leaving no scope for delay or procedural laxity.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government’s vision goes far beyond the mere constitution of Welfare Boards. “Our objective is to ensure the effective, transparent and direct delivery of welfare schemes to every eligible citizen,” she said, adding that the government is working with unwavering commitment on the principle of “Justice for All, Development for All.” She underlined that no section of society will be allowed to feel ignored or marginalized under the present dispensation. In this mission, Welfare Boards are expected to play a decisive role in taking government policies to the grassroots level.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the Punjab Government has recently constituted several Welfare Boards to ensure focused welfare and upliftment of diverse sections of society. These include the Kamboj Welfare Board, Bazigar and Tapriwas Welfare Board, Brahman Welfare Board, Khatri Arora Welfare Board, Dalit Vikas Welfare Board, Rai Sikh Welfare Board, Rajput Kalyan Board, Vimukt Jati Welfare Board, Prajapati Welfare Board, Saini Welfare Board, Ramgarhia Welfare Board, Agarwal Welfare Board, Gujjar Welfare Board, Bariagi Welfare Board, Swarankar Welfare Board, Sain Samaj Welfare Board, Punjab State Muslim Development Board, Parvasi Welfare Board, Kanojia Welfare Board, Masih Welfare Board and Sufi Sant Samaj Welfare Board, among several others constituted to advance the agenda of inclusive development.
She further stated that these Welfare Boards will conduct need-based assessments of the social, economic and educational challenges faced by their communities, submit concrete policy recommendations to the government and operate as a robust and accountable institutional bridge between the administration and the people.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that this initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s firm resolve to ensure inclusive growth, social justice and the strengthening of a harmonious and equitable social fabric across the state.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department Sh. V.K. Meena, IAS, Director Smt. Vimmi Bhullar, IAS, and other senior officials of the department were specially present at the meeting.
