Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues its focused efforts to uplift the economically and socially disadvantaged sections of society. In line with this commitment, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today distributed loan waiver certificates worth ₹8.72 crore to 505 Scheduled Caste (SC) families during a special program held at K.G. Palace, Malout.
During the event, Dr. Baljit Kaur also handed over approval letters totaling ₹71.40 lakh to 140 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme, with each receiving financial assistance of ₹51,000.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of underprivileged and marginalized communities. She highlighted that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, such a substantial relief package has been extended to economically weaker and backward sections—possible only due to the government’s decision to prioritize public welfare in its budget. She added that every rupee from the state treasury is being used with full responsibility to benefit the people.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that the loan waiver applies to all loans disbursed by the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) up to March 31, 2020. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on SC borrowers and persons with disabilities. She added that ‘No Dues’ certificates have already been issued to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring no further recovery actions will be taken under PSCFC regulations.
She also assured that the Punjab Government will clear the entire outstanding principal, interest, and penalty dues to PSCFC by April 30, 2025, thus completing the financial closure of these loans.
Several dignitaries were present at the event, including District Welfare Officer Jagmohan Singh, Cabinet Minister’s Personal Assistants Arshdeep Singh Sidhu and Shinderpal Singh, Ramesh Singh Arniwala, Truck Union President Sukhpal Singh, and village representatives like Yadvinder Singh, Nirmal Singh, Kulwinder Singh Bittu, Jyoti, and Dr. Sadhu Singh, along with a large number of beneficiaries.