Chandigarh, December 7, 2024 — The Punjab Government has disbursed ₹92 crore under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students for the fiscal year 2024-25. This funding is part of the ₹245 crore allocated for scholarships this year, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced today.
Dr. Kaur, addressing a press conference, highlighted that ₹59.34 crore from this amount has already been distributed to 256 institutions for students studying outside Punjab, with efforts underway to clear dues for remaining institutions.
The Minister revealed that in 2023-24, the government released ₹366 crore to cover outstanding payments from 2017-2020. Of this, ₹283.62 crore has been paid to 1,008 institutions, with pending payments to be resolved soon. An additional ₹229.23 crore was released for students during 2023-24.
Dr. Kaur criticized the previous state and central governments for neglecting the scheme from 2017 to 2020, which she said jeopardized the futures of Scheduled Caste students by halting degree issuance.
She credited the Bhagwant Mann-led government for rectifying delays to ensure uninterrupted education for these students.
Appealing to the Central Government to release its overdue share of funds, Dr. Kaur emphasized Punjab’s commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Caste students, noting that 2.31 lakh new students registered under the scheme this year.
The Administrative Department has been tasked with ensuring prompt disbursement of funds to institutions.
“The Punjab Government is steadfast in providing timely financial assistance to support the education of Scheduled Caste students,” Dr. Kaur stated.
