For many generations, families in Punjab’s soil worked hard and saw dreams — but got few opportunities. But some sections of society – especially Scheduled Caste (SC) – have been facing social and economic inequality for a long time. Their pain, dreams and hopes often got lost in the crowd of power. When Bhagwant Mann government took over Punjab, they promised not just governance, but “service.” They had said – “Government belongs to the people, and first come those people whose voice is heard the least.” But Mann government has taken this pledge: “No one will be left behind” and this is why the government has started many initiatives-schemes for Scheduled Caste people — to awaken self-confidence, give economic freedom, restore social respect.
The work that Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab has done for Scheduled Caste people is not just government schemes, but an effort to reduce the pain of lakhs of families and awaken hope. This government, working from the heart, has shown that for them, the development of Dalit society is not just a slogan, but a true responsibility.
Mann government took such a historic decision and waived old debts of up to ₹68 crores taken from Punjab Scheduled Caste Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC). Loan waiver of approximately ₹67.84 crores has been announced for about 4,727 families of this community. This step is not just financial relief, but a milestone in the direction of social respect and equality. For families burdened under economic pressure for years, this decision has brought a message of new hope and self-reliance. Bhagwant Mann government has proved that true governance is that which wipes the tears of society’s weakest section, brings light and confidence in their lives. This initiative has become the identity of a sensitive government dedicated to Dalit welfare — where a smile on every poor person’s face is considered the biggest achievement. This step is not just a number, but the smile of many families who had the burden of debt on their heads, who had obstacles before them.
Mann government also started the “Aashirwad Scheme” for the bright future of daughters of Punjab’s Scheduled Caste (SC) community. This is not just a financial help scheme, but a means to reach those parts of society who were deprived of opportunity and respect for years. Under this scheme, SC category girls are given support in the fields of education, health and nutrition, which gives wings to their dreams. This step of Bhagwant Mann government gives the message that every daughter deserves equal rights and respect, and society’s progress is possible only through her empowerment. Through Aashirwad scheme, a new ray of hope has awakened in the homes of lakhs of families, and daughters are now not only moving forward in the field of education, but are also increasing the pride of their family and society. Marriage-Assistance-Scheme (“Aashirwad” Scheme) – For marriage of SC community daughters – ₹51,000 assistance per girl is being given to low-income families. This is not just money, but this message — “We are with you in your daughter’s happiness, with you in her marriage-joy.”
Mann government has removed the burden of education of poor Dalit children from the heads of parents. More than 2 lakh students have received scholarships. Under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme on Ambedkar Scholarship Portal, 1,66,958 Scheduled Caste students have applied. The purpose of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to deserving but economically weak students so that no student faces any obstacle in continuing their education due to lack of money. During the current financial year, ₹14.95 lakhs have been distributed to 627 students, while ₹4.62 crores will be released soon to 19,244 students. During financial year 2024-25, the state government has released ₹267.54 crores for 2,37,456 students, which shows their commitment toward student welfare. Through Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Scholarship Portal, the entire process is completely digital and transparent. For year 2025-26, a budget of approximately ₹245 crores has been kept, with a target to include approximately 2.70 lakh students. The number of applications is also increasing — for example, more than 1.66 lakh students have already applied.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab government has also taken a visionary step for students of Scheduled Caste (SC) community – Punjab Overseas Scholarship Scheme. Under this scheme announced in September 2025, talented students of SC category will get opportunity to pursue higher education in the world’s top 500 universities, and full financial help will be given for this – tuition fees, visa, airfare, medical insurance and ₹13.17 lakh annual maintenance allowance. This initiative is not just scholarship, but a new path of Dalit empowerment. For years, weaker sections of society have been left behind on the front of education and opportunity. Mann government has ensured that no financial obstacle remains before capability and hard work. Through this scheme, young SC students of Punjab can highlight their dreams on the global stage and brighten the country’s name. Under SCSP (Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan), a budget of approximately ₹13,836 crores was allocated in 2023-24, which included many schemes and expenses. This figure shows the government’s responsibility that SC community has been specially kept in mind.
Mann government has proved that welfare for SC community is not limited only to domestic schemes, but the government also has the capability to take their dreams to international level. This step not only gives financial assistance, but is also a symbol of self-confidence, respect and social equality. Today Dalit students of Punjab are not only feeling themselves as part of society, but are ready to make their identity on the global stage. This is the biggest success of Mann government’s sensitive and visionary policy – when there is courage and equality in leadership, no dream is impossible. The government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann in Punjab has taken many big steps to bring Dalit society into the mainstream and for their development. Mann government has five Cabinet Ministers from SC community, who are implementing schemes on the ground with their experience and sensitivity. Mann government’s message is clear – now Dalit society is not on the margins, but in the stream of development. SC Cabinet Ministers, understanding the needs of society, are implementing every scheme in the right direction. Their aim is not just to give financial assistance, but to ensure respect, equality and empowerment. In this way, the active participation of SC ministers in Mann government has opened the path of new hope and bright future for Punjab’s Dalit society.
Mann government has not just given benefit of schemes to Dalit society, but has taken concrete steps in the direction of empowerment. Education, employment, health and financial assistance – in every field, improvement and benefits of schemes have been directly delivered to the needy. For example, initiatives like loan waiver, scholarships, Aashirwad scheme for SC category families are changing their lives. Mann government’s thinking is that every Dalit child should study, every youth should become self-reliant and every family should live a dignified life. Mann government’s goal is not just power, but development with sensitivity and justice. Today the glow of hope can be seen on the faces of Punjab’s Dalit families. They are not on the margins now; they are moving forward with full strength in the stream of development. This change is not just economic, but is a symbol of respect, self-confidence and social justice in society. Mann government has proved that when there is sensitivity and courage in leadership, even the weakest section of society can be brought into the mainstream. This story of empowerment inspires every heart and gives the message that now the future of every Dalit family in Punjab is bright. All this is not just numbers, these are beliefs and the roots of belief go deep, when they are felt concretely on the ground. In this way, these initiatives of Mann government are not just schemes — they are dreams come true. Where there was a dream, today there stands an opportunity. Where there was fear, trust is being built.
