Chandigarh, October 26:Reaffirming its commitment to building an inclusive, progressive and caste-discrimination-free society, the Punjab Government has extended financial assistance of over ₹4.06 crore to 1,353 inter-caste married couples during the current financial year. The initiative reflects the State Government’s steadfast resolve to promote social equality, mutual respect and harmony while encouraging marriages that transcend caste barriers.
Sharing this information, Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the scheme, implemented under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, aims to encourage inter-caste marriages, strengthen social integration and uphold the constitutional ideals of equality, fraternity and social justice.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that every eligible inter-caste married couple is provided financial assistance of ₹50,000, of which ₹30,000 is directly credited into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account, while the remaining ₹20,000 is provided through a National Savings Certificate (NSC) issued through the Post Office, ensuring both immediate financial support and long-term financial security.
The Cabinet Minister informed that to avail the benefit under the scheme, one spouse must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and the other to the non-Scheduled Caste (Non-SC) community. Besides, the groom must be at least 21 years of age and the bride 18 years or above. Eligible couples can apply for the financial assistance within three years from the date of marriage.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to creating a society where every citizen enjoys equal dignity, equal opportunities and equal rights, irrespective of caste or social background. She said the Government firmly believes that social justice and inclusive development are essential for building a stronger and more harmonious Punjab.
Describing inter-caste marriages as powerful instruments of social transformation, the Minister said such unions rise above traditional barriers and send a strong message of equality, mutual respect and national integration. She added that the financial assistance is not merely an economic incentive but also an affirmation of the Government’s commitment to encouraging progressive social values and strengthening social cohesion.
Dr. Baljit Kaur urged all eligible inter-caste married couples to avail themselves of the scheme within the prescribed time. She said the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities is committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance in a transparent, timely and hassle-free manner. Reiterating the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive welfare, she said the State will continue to implement people-centric initiatives aimed at ensuring that the constitutional ideals of equality, dignity and social justice become a lived reality for every citizen.
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*Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Attends Bhagwan Valmiki Ji’s Shobha Yatra, Pays Homage with Devotion*
*Huge Gathering of Devotees at State-Level Religious Event; Minister Sond Remembers the Ideals and Teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji*
*“The Teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Guide Society Towards Equality, Harmony and Humanity”: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, October 26:Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Khanna Assembly Constituency, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, participated in the Shobha Yatra of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, organised by Shri Guru Ravidass Mandir Prabandhak Sabha (Regd.) at Shri Guru Ravidass Chowk, Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana, as part of the state-level religious celebrations dedicated to the Parkash Diwas. On the occasion, he paid his respects to Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and expressed his deep reverence for his ideals and teachings.
A large number of devotees participated in the Shobha Yatra and expressed their faith and devotion towards Bhagwan Valmiki Ji. The entire event witnessed an atmosphere of religious enthusiasm, devotion and spiritual fervour. Vijay Danav, Chairman of the Dalit Development Board, Government of Punjab, also attended the Shobha Yatra along with his associates.
Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the life and teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji serve as a source of inspiration for the entire human society. The great epic Ramayana, authored by him, is an invaluable treasure of Indian culture, moral values, dignity and ideals of life. Through his teachings, Bhagwan Valmiki Ji conveyed the message of righteousness, equality, brotherhood and service to humanity, which remains equally relevant today. He further stated that such religious and social events play a significant role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the country and connecting future generations with the lives, teachings and thoughts of great personalities. By embracing the teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji in everyday life, society can further strengthen the values of love, harmony and mutual brotherhood.
On this occasion, OSD Karun Arora, Vikas Aggarwal, Lavlesh Arora, PA Mahesh Kumar, Aam Aadmi Party youth leader Karan Verma, along with other party workers, prominent personalities and a large number of devotees, were present. Everyone paid their heartfelt respects to Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and participated in the religious celebrations with devotion and enthusiasm.