Punjab Govt created jobs, expanded SC scholarships and recruited 10,000 Anganwadi workers: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 5, 2026: Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, and Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, on Wednesday said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has focused on employment generation, quality education and social equality to build a self-reliant, inclusive and progressive Punjab.
Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the government was committed to creating dignified employment opportunities within the state, strengthening the education system and ensuring that all sections of society benefit from Punjab’s growth and development.
Quoting noted Punjabi poet Dr. Navtej Bharti, the Minister said, “When working hands join together, the world becomes a better place to live. Our earth revolves not merely around the sun, but around hardworking hands.”
She said the philosophy reflected the vision behind the state government’s people-centric policies and welfare initiatives.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said reversing the long-standing trend of young people migrating abroad in search of employment was among the major challenges before the government. She claimed that the state government had created large-scale employment opportunities during the past four years, enabling more young people to pursue careers and build their futures within Punjab.
“The government’s objective is to ensure that every section of society becomes an equal stakeholder in the state’s growth and prosperity,” she said.
Citing an example from her constituency, Dr. Baljit Kaur said 25 young people from Fakarsar village had secured employment during the past four years, including 20 from the Scheduled Caste community. She said the example showed that the benefits of government policies were reaching marginalised and deserving sections at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the government’s efforts towards educational empowerment, the Minister said Scheduled Caste scholarships had remained pending for three years under previous governments, affecting the education of thousands of students.
She said the Mann Government restored the scholarship scheme after assuming office and increased the number of beneficiaries by 35 per cent. According to the Minister, more than 10 lakh Scheduled Caste students have received scholarship benefits during the past four years.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted the recruitment of 10,000 Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, describing it as a major step towards women’s empowerment, particularly in rural Punjab.
She said the recruitment drive had provided sustainable livelihood opportunities to women, strengthened the financial security of thousands of families and promoted greater confidence and economic independence among women.
Appreciating the education reforms introduced by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Dr. Baljit Kaur said education and employment were closely connected and that quality education was essential for sustainable employment and social progress.
Quoting renowned Punjabi poet Dr. Surjit Patar, she said, “How profound is the relationship between education and livelihood.”
The Minister said Punjab’s government schools had undergone significant transformation, with efforts being made to provide quality education to children from all social and economic backgrounds.
She said the integration of employment generation, educational reforms and social justice initiatives was laying the foundation for a prosperous, self-reliant and vibrant Rangla Punjab, where development and opportunities are accessible to every citizen.