Punjab News:Dr. Baljit Kaur: Punjab Government Strengthens Support for SC Students’ Higher Education Dreams; 2.70 Lakh Students to Benefit Under Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme in 2026-27

Punjab News:Dr. Baljit Kaur: Punjab Government Strengthens Support for SC Students’ Higher Education Dreams; 2.70 Lakh Students to Benefit Under Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme in 2026-27

*Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government Committed to Ensuring That No Deserving Student Is Deprived of Higher Education Due to Financial Constraints*

*₹245 Crore Proposed for Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme; Number of Beneficiary Students Increased by 40% in 2025-26 Compared to 2020-21*

*Smooth Application Process Through National Scholarship Portal; Special Focus on Awareness and Assistance for Students*

*Dr. Baljit Kaur Appeals to Students to Avail Maximum Benefits of the Scheme and Contribute Towards Building Rangla Punjab*

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment towards social justice and ensuring equal opportunities in education, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development and Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government is making continuous efforts to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier in the path of higher education for any Scheduled Caste student.

Sharing details of the Budget Proposals for 2026-27, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has set a target to provide benefits of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students to nearly 2.70 lakh students, with an estimated expenditure of ₹245 crore. She said that this initiative reflects the State Government’s strong commitment towards educational empowerment of SC students and providing them equal opportunities to pursue higher education.

The Minister said that the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students is being implemented with complete transparency and dedication, enabling students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education and realise their aspirations.

Highlighting the progress of the scheme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the number of students availing benefits under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme increased by 40 per cent in 2025-26 as compared to 2020-21, which reflects the expanding reach of the scheme and the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure that eligible students receive timely assistance.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that a special awareness programme on the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme was organised on January 30, 2026, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the objective of creating awareness among students about the scheme and encouraging them to avail its benefits. More than 10,000 students participated in the programme, reflecting the positive response of the student community towards the initiative.

She said that for the convenience of students, the scheme has been implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). She added that continuous efforts are being made to provide information regarding the application process, resolve technical issues and create awareness about the scheme. She also directed officials and educational institutions to provide full support to eligible students so that no student is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of information or procedural difficulties.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the objective of the Punjab Government is not only to provide financial assistance but also to make SC students self-reliant, empowered and connected with the mainstream through education. She said that expanding educational opportunities is essential for channelising the potential of youth in the right direction and strengthening the foundation of an equal and prosperous Punjab.

The Minister said that education is the strongest instrument for achieving social equality, economic progress and empowerment. She added that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government is continuously working towards fulfilling the aspirations and dreams of the youth to realise the vision of a progressive and Rangla Punjab.

Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to students to make maximum use of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, pursue higher education with dedication and contribute towards the development of Punjab. She reiterated that the Punjab Government stands firmly with every eligible student and is committed to ensuring that financial difficulties never become an obstacle in their education and bright future