Dr. Baljit Kaur Urges Centre to Strengthen Welfare Schemes for Scheduled Castes in Punjab

Minister Calls for Immediate Release of ₹583 Crore Pending Funds for Punjab

Cabinet Minister raised various issues of Social Justice Department with Union Minister

Chandigarh, February 9 -Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, while addressing a high-level meeting in Delhi with the Union Minister and Ministers from various States and Union Territories, highlighted the unique challenges faced by Punjab and urged the Government of India to implement key policy reforms for the welfare of Scheduled Castes. She commended the Government of India for this initiative, emphasizing that each state has its own set of challenges and that this platform provides an opportunity for states to voice their specific concerns.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that Punjab has a Scheduled Caste population of nearly 32%, which may have further increased. Given this demographic, she stated that the gap-filling fund, currently set at ₹20 lakh per project for villages under the Adarsh Gram Yojana, be increased to at least ₹1 crore, as the existing allocation is insufficient for comprehensive infrastructure development, particularly for road construction.

She also pointed out that the Social Justice Department relies on the Rural Development Department for implementing schemes, leading to administrative hurdles. To address this issue, she urged the Government of India to issue detailed guidelines for establishing a dedicated technical unit at the district and state levels under the Social Justice Department to ensure effective monitoring and implementation. Furthermore, she requested an increase in administrative charges from the existing 4% to 10% to cover expenses related to technical units and ensure smooth execution of welfare programs.

Dr. Kaur also emphasized that states should be given autonomy in selecting villages for development projects, as they have better knowledge of ground realities. Additionally, she called for the widening of the scope of infrastructure projects, allowing states to decide on the type of development work based on local needs. She further requested that administrative charges be released in advance for selected villages so that necessary preparations can be made beforehand.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also addressed concerns regarding the grant and aid component of skill development projects, stating that these projects take considerable time to execute. The existing requirement that 75% of the previous installment be utilized before new funds are released often causes delays in implementation. She urged the Government of India to relax this condition, particularly during election periods when administrative processes may slow down project execution.

Another key demand was an increase in financial assistance for beneficiaries, from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, as the current amount is inadequate compared to other schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Scheme. She also requested that this financial assistance be delinked from the loan component, as many beneficiaries belong to economically weaker sections and lack the collateral required to secure loans.

She highlighting the financial shortfall for Punjab, she stated that 3,293 villages were selected under the scheme, with a total due amount of ₹684 crore. However, only ₹61 crore has been received from the Government of India so far, including ₹40 crore just two months ago, limiting the coverage to only 365 villages. She strongly urged the Government of India to immediately release the pending ₹583 crore to ensure the timely completion of ongoing development projects.

The Cabinet Minister expressed confidence that the Government of India will positively consider these demands, ensuring inclusive growth and development for the Scheduled Castes community in Punjab. She reaffirmed the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to working tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalized sections of society.

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Punjab Government releases ₹4.21-Crore grant to strengthen facilities in 15 old age homes: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

Says, Punjab Government commits to providing a safe, dignified and comfortable environment for elderly

Chandigarh, February 9 -The Punjab Government is committed to serving, supporting and upholding the dignity of the elderly. As part of this commitment, the state government has established old age homes in all districts to provide safe shelter for destitute elderly. For the financial year 2024-25, the Punjab Government has released a grant of ₹4.21 crore for 15 old age homes across the state.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that any elderly person can reside in these homes, where they are provided with free accommodation, clothing, food, and other essential facilities. For this purpose, old age homes are being run by the department in collaboration with non-governmental organizations.

She disclosed that the old age homes of various districts of the state have been provided with Rs. 37.68 lakhs to Amritsar, Rs. 28.54 lakhs to Bathinda, Rs. 28.54 lakhs to Fazilka respectively. Apart from this, A grant of Rs 70.41 lakh to Ludhiana, Rs 22.47 lakh to Malerkotla, Rs 28.54 lakh to Moga, Rs 28.79 lakh to Pathankot, Rs 17.77 lakh to Patiala, Rs 30.80 lakh to Ropar, Rs 58.49 lakh to Sangrur, Rs 21.55 lakh to Tarn Taran, Rs. 22.02 lakhs to Faridkot and Rs. 26.37 lakhs to Ferozepur has been issued.

The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that the department is constructing old age homes in Barnala and Mansa districts, each with a capacity of 75 elderly. These homes are being built at a cost of ₹17.34 crore and will be completed soon. A comfortable and supportive environment will be created for the elderly in these newly constructed facilities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working for the welfare of senior citizens. She emphasized that elderly individuals are an integral part of society, and taking care of their health and well-being is a moral responsibility. The government's primary objective is to honor and enhance the quality of life of elderly.

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Punjab Government launches WhatsApp number 9056009884 for NRIs to report their grievances, Says Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

Chandigarh, 9 February 2025:Aiming to address the concerns and grievances of Non Resident Indians(NRIs) Punjabis, the Government of Punjab under the visionary leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, has launched a WhatsApp number 9056009884 for NRIs to report their problems and complaints. In this connection, complaints of NRIs are forwarded to the concerned departments as well as the ADGP of NRI Wing of Punjab Police for forthwith redressal. NRIs can visit on nri.punjab.gov.in website for any information and this website has detailed information pertaining to NRI police wing, state commission for NRIs and NRI sabha.

Administrative Reforms and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal informed that NRI Affairs department is providing facilities of countersigning/attestation of various documents such as birth certificate, unavailability of birth certificate, late birth entry, police clearance, medical certificate, educational qualification certificate, driving certificate, death certificate, marriage/ divorce certificate, decree, adoption deed, affidavit, fingerprint and other certificates etc. of Punjabis living in abroad. NRIs can apply online on E-Sanad portal for getting their documents countersigned from their homes.

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Punjab's Sericulture Sector Flourishes with Government Initiatives

State's Efforts Lead to Increased Silk Production and Economic Empowerment of Farmers

Chandigarh, February 9-The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and with the guidance of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, has made significant strides in promoting sericulture. This initiative aims to enhance farmer's livelihoods and bolster the state's economy.

A pivotal initiative was the organization of the Silk Mark Expo 2024 at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh. Inaugurated by Minister Mohinder Bhagat, the event showcased the state's commitment to sericulture and provided a platform for artisans and traders nationwide. The Minister released a brochure titled "The Journey of Sericulture in Punjab," highlighting the sector's growth and achievements.

Minister Bhagat emphasized the government's dedication to rural empowerment through sericulture. He stated, "The price of cocoons in Punjab has risen from ₹550 per kilogram to ₹1,250 per kilogram due to focused government efforts, ensuring fair compensation for silk farmers, particularly women engaged in sericulture."

He informed that Infrastructure development was a key focus, with annual cocoon production reaching 29,000 kilograms. The reactivation of the Silk Seed Production Centre in Dalhousie aimed to provide high-quality silk seeds at nominal prices, fostering self-reliance among farmers.

The state's efforts were recognized with the Silver Award at the Skoch National Awards 2024 for the project "Women Empowerment and Socio-Economic Growth through Sericulture," underscoring the positive impact on women's empowerment and socio-economic development.

Minister Mohinder Bhagat further explained, the Punjab Government plans to launch an exclusive "Punjab Silk" brand and establish silk reeling units and cocoon storage facilities to enhance value addition and increase farmer incomes. These initiatives reflect a steadfast commitment to expanding silk farming, empowering rural communities, and elevating Punjab's sericulture sector.