Punjab CM rolls out post-matric scholarship for 2.7 lakh SC students, claims 35% hike in beneficiaries, ETEducation
Jalandhar: Launching the distribution of post-matric scholarships to more than 2.7 lakh Scheduled Caste students at the PAP Ground in Jalandhar on Friday, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said the Rs 271-crore ‘Post-Matric Scholarship‘ under the ‘Mission Rangla Punjab‘ reflected a fundamental shift in governance priorities, while the Congress, the Akalis and the BJP remained preoccupied with family interests.
He also claimed that the 35% rise in beneficiaries since 2020-21 was the result of genuine education reforms, not tokenism. The CM stressed that scholarships were not mere financial aid but a tool of self-reliance, correcting years of systemic neglect in which delayed and diverted funds prevented students from appearing in examinations.
The timing of the event was significant as it was held on the eve of Guru Ravidas Jayanti and two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan on Feb 1 – the birth anniversary of the Guru.
Addressing students at the scholarship disbursement function, CM said: “From scam to ‘Punjab Shine’, the Post-Matric Scholarship became a powerful instrument of social transformation.”
Recalling the period between 2017 and 2020, Mann said the scheme was virtually stalled, leading educational institutions to withhold degrees to students.
“A scam took place under this scheme and every Punjabi was anguished by it. The then minister in charge of the department betrayed their own community by illegally minting money meant for the education of children from weaker sections,” he said, adding that funds meant for the SC students were usurped, depriving them of their rightful opportunities.
Emphasising the transformative power of education, CM Mann said: “Education is the only key to changing the destiny of the weaker and underprivileged sections. Unfortunately, successive govts deliberately kept these students away from books. Today, our govt is giving them a chance to realise their dreams and excel in life.”
He said the budget for the scheme was enhanced from Rs 245 crore to Rs 271 crore. Mann also linked the initiative to Dr B R Ambedkar’s philosophy. Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema and his cabinet colleague Dr Baljit Kaur also addressed the gathering.
NAS Ranking (Box)
Expressing pride, CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab topped the National Achievement Survey, surpassing even Kerala. “Govt schools became temples of the modern era, illuminating thousands of young lives,” he said, adding that students were provided coaching for competitive exams such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT.
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