Chandigarh : The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will launch welfare schemes for the SCs, BCs, and minorities of Punjab, modeled after Telangana's initiatives. The aim is to improve the standard of living for economically disadvantaged individuals belonging to these communities.

  Dr. Baljit Kaur, Punjab's Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, who visited Telangana as a state delegate in the past, shared this information. She stated that the Punjab government is taking continuous steps to create a brighter future for the Scheduled Caste and Backward Class people of the state.

As part of these efforts, Dr. Baljit Kaur visited Telangana and met with senior officers, secretaries, and directors to learn about various welfare schemes. The visiting team included Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minority,  Ramesh Kumar, Director Jaspreet Singh, and other senior officials from the department.

The Cabinet Minister mentioned that Telangana has implemented a start-up scheme and established T-Hub (Technology Hub) to promote business opportunities for the Dalit community. The government provides funding for start-ups through this initiative. Additionally, Telangana's model of residential schools, degree colleges, and centers of excellence, which have been operating since 1970, is noteworthy.

Another significant scheme is the 'Dalit Bandhu,' initiated by the Scheduled Caste Development Department. This scheme provides a benefit of Rs 10 lakh per beneficiary, enabling them to generate self-employment opportunities. During their visit, Punjab government officials also visited Yadadri Bhuvnagiri district and discussed the scheme with its beneficiaries. Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that Telangana is providing technical training to its youth to enhance their skills and enable self-employment.

 Dr. Baljit Kaur further expressed that considering these schemes implemented in Telangana, the Chief Minister of Punjab will soon implement similar schemes in Punjab as well. A meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be scheduled for this purpose. She expressed hope that these welfare schemes will be implemented in the near future, empowering the economically disadvantaged Scheduled Caste and Backward Class individuals in Punjab and enabling them to become self-reliant.