Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while addressing a district-level event at DAVIET, Jalandhar on the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s dedicated efforts to realize Baba Saheb’s dream of an inclusive and just society.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that with six SC ministers in the Punjab Cabinet, the AAP government has set a benchmark in social representation and inclusivity. For the first time, the state has introduced reservations in the Advocate General’s office, ensuring fair opportunities in the legal field. Additionally, SC scholarships are now being disbursed seamlessly, enabling students from underprivileged backgrounds to continue their education without financial hurdles.
Calling upon the youth to follow the ideology of Dr. Ambedkar, Cheema said that truly honoring Baba Saheb means adopting his values and principles in daily life. He stressed that Dr. Ambedkar’s message of social justice and political equality remains as significant today as ever.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema praised Dr. Ambedkar as a global figure who not only drafted the Indian Constitution but also laid the foundation for institutions like the Reserve Bank of India. He emphasized the importance of active participation in democracy and responsible voting as key to building a fair society.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, joined by MLAs Balkar Singh and Inderjit Kaur Mann, and other dignitaries, said the Mann-led government has consistently upheld Ambedkar’s legacy. A landmark decision was taken to install portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh in all government offices, replacing those of serving Chief Ministers.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further outlined welfare steps taken by the state government, such as reserving 58 legal posts for SC/ST candidates in the AG office and timely disbursement of Post-Matric Scholarship funds—addressing long-standing issues from previous governments that allegedly misused these funds.
To support financially distressed families, loans given by the SC Corporation before March 31, 2020, have been waived. Cheema encouraged students to take full advantage of the state’s ongoing employment drive, noting that over 50,000 jobs have already been provided purely on merit, with more in the pipeline.
On the occasion, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema distributed benefit letters under the Ashirwad Scheme, Shagun Scheme, and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, with many recipients sharing how the programs had positively impacted their lives.
A coffee table book showcasing welfare initiatives for SC/ST and minority communities was also released. The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, presented a memento to the Minister in appreciation of his participation in the event.
Key figures present included Chairman of Punjab Minorities Commission Abdul Bahri Salmani, Chairman of Punjab Agri Export Limited Mangal Singh Bassi, AAP leaders Amritpal Singh, Stephen Kaler, Deepak Bali, and others.