Chandigarh, March 26:
Punjab’s Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur praised the budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, describing it as a crucial initiative for the welfare of the common people, financially struggling families, and marginalized communities.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) has announced a complete waiver of loans taken until March 31, 2020, providing significant relief to 4,650 beneficiaries. She emphasized that this decision would help distressed families regain financial stability.
She further stated that the government has allocated ₹9,340 crore to ensure social justice and equality. These funds will be utilized to provide financial assistance to the elderly, widows, destitute women, orphaned children, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also commended the budget’s focus on women’s convenience and economic empowerment. She noted that the free bus travel facility, which has played a vital role in enhancing women’s mobility and economic independence, will continue in the coming year. Over the past year, more than 12 crore women have benefited from this initiative, for which ₹450 crore has been earmarked.
She asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously working towards making the state a ‘Rangla Punjab.’ The budget prioritizes the economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, minorities, and marginalized sections by allocating ₹13,987 crore, which accounts for 34% of the state’s total development budget.
Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed hope that this budget would contribute to the progress of all sections of Punjab, promote social justice and equality, and serve as a milestone in making the people of Punjab prosperous and self-reliant.
