Rs 10.21 cr spent on cleaning and desilting in Flood-Affected Villages of Punjab in Four Days: Sond
- District-level monitoring sub-committees to start field inspections from September 19
- Gram Sabhas convened in all 2,280 flood-affected villages
- Rs 17.54 lakh spent on scientific disposal of dead animals
Chandigarh, September 18:The Punjab Government has intensified its efforts to restore normalcy in flood-affected villages across the state. In the last four days, a total of Rs 10.21 crore has been spent on cleaning operations and desilting.
Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that, under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the scientific disposal of dead animals during the floods is being ensured. He informed that Rs 17.54 lakh has been spent on the disposal of 259 animals. The Minister added that the removal of debris and disposal of carcasses will be completed by September 24, while the cleaning of ponds will be concluded by October 22.
Highlighting the damage caused to community assets in rural areas, Sond said that according to reports, an estimated Rs 153.33 crore will be required for their repair. He assured that the urgent repair works on these community assets will be completed by October 15. To prevent the outbreak of diseases, 543 fogging machines have already been deployed in affected areas, and an additional 750 machines will be deployed soon.
The Minister further said that Gram Sabhas have been convened in all 2,280 flood-affected villages to ensure transparency and accountability. These special meetings identified and approved priority works to be undertaken in each village. Once the works are completed, another Gram Sabha will be convened to review expenditures and verify the completion of tasks.
To strengthen monitoring, Sond announced that district-level sub-committees headed by BDPOs or DDPOs will begin field inspections from September 19. These officers will be responsible for submitting weekly verification reports, documenting fund utilization, and maintaining before-and-after photographic records of works undertaken.
===================================
Historic Educational Initiative for SC Students by Punjab Government: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Post-Matric Scholarships, Overseas Education, and PCS Courses to Give Major Boost to Students
Chandigarh, 18 September:Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously taking historic steps in the field of education for students from Scheduled Castes.
During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur shared details about key initiatives of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities.
Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme – 35% Historic Increase
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has reformed the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, removing long-standing irregularities and disputes. Strict action has been taken against those misappropriating funds, ensuring that every rupee now directly benefits deserving students.
In 2022, 1,76,842 students availed the scheme. Today, the number has risen to 2,37,456 — a 35% increase in just three years. Over the past five years, only 3.71 lakh students benefited, whereas 6.78 lakh students have benefitted in the current three-year term.
The target for 2025-26 is set at 2.70 lakh students. Extensive awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools and colleges to ensure no eligible student misses out.
Additionally, under the Top Class Education scheme for OBC, EBC, and DNT students from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, scholarships will now be provided to students enrolled in 11 premier institutions including AMZ Bathinda, IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, IIM Amritsar, NIPER Mohali, NIT Mohali, ISI Chandigarh, Thapar College Patiala, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala, IISER Mohali, and IHM Gurdaspur.
Overseas Scholarship Scheme – Golden Opportunity for Talented Youth
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the government has launched a transformative Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students and children of landless agricultural laborers. Eligible students (under 35 years, minimum 60% marks, parents’ annual income below ₹8 lakh) can now study at any of the world’s top 500 universities.
The government will cover visa, airfare, tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance (₹13.17 lakh), contingency allowance (₹1.35 lakh), and medical insurance.
A 30% reservation for girls students ensures equal opportunities. Each family can avail benefits for up to two children, although each student can benefit only once.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that applications for the academic year 2025-26 can be submitted online at the NOS portal https://nosmsje.gov.in from 15 September to 24 October 2025.
She emphasized that this scheme will open new doors for Punjab’s talented youth without requiring parents to mortgage property for overseas education.
PCS Crash Course at Ambedkar Institute
Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that a two-month PCS Crash Course for SC, BC, and minority students is being launched at Ambedkar Institute, Mohali, to prepare them for civil services.
Applications will be accepted offline and via email from 17 to 26 September. Forty eligible candidates will be selected through an entrance exam on 30 September.
The institute has been upgraded with an investment of ₹1.47 crore, with an additional ₹1.22 crore being invested. Faculty remuneration has been increased from ₹750 to ₹1,500 per hour to attract top trainers.
Commitment of Punjab Government
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously working for the development of SC, BC, and economically weaker sections of society.
“Our aim is to make higher education accessible, affordable, and desirable for every eligible child in Punjab. Through education, we empower our students socially and economically,” she said.
--------------