Rs 15.72 crore scholarship support to benefit 39,320 OBC students over two years: Dr Baljit Kaur
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 31, 2026: Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said the state government is providing financial support to ensure that deserving students from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) can continue their education without financial constraints.
She said the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is implementing various welfare measures to improve access to education and empower students from disadvantaged sections.
Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for OBCs, ₹5.72 crore was released to 14,320 students during 2025-26, the minister said. The assistance has helped students meet educational expenses and continue their studies without interruption.
For the financial year 2026-27, the government has proposed ₹10 crore under the scheme to extend scholarship support to another 25,000 OBC students.
Dr Baljit Kaur said that over the two financial years, a total of ₹15.72 crore has been earmarked under the scheme to benefit 39,320 OBC students.
The minister described education as a key instrument of social transformation and empowerment, saying that equal educational opportunities can help improve the prospects of families and contribute to the overall development of society and the state.
She said the Mann-led government was committed to implementing transparent and people-oriented policies for the welfare of all sections of society.
Dr Baljit Kaur added that investment in children’s education would help create a strong foundation for an equal, prosperous and progressive Punjab, contributing to the government’s vision of a Rangla Punjab.