Beneficiaries laud govt schemes for changing lives at varsity event

Beneficiaries of various welfare schemes launched by the Punjab Government expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during a state-level event held to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar at Punjabi University on Sunday.

The event spotlighted the transformative impact of government initiatives on the lives of marginalised communities. Five recipients of the Aashirwad Scheme were handed cheques of Rs 51,000 each, while ten students benefiting from the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme and ten individuals who secured loans through the Punjab State Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation and the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation shared their stories.

Jaspal Kaur, a resident of Seel village, shared how a government-backed loan helped her become self-sufficient. “I took a loan of Rs 3 lakh to purchase four milk animals and start a dairy business. This initiative has transformed my livelihood,” she said, thanking the CM for the support.

Sukhwinder Kaur of Seona village, who availed a Rs 2 lakh loan to open a grocery store, echoed the sentiment, saying, “This opportunity has given me financial independence and I’m truly grateful.”

Several other beneficiaries also shared their journeys. Makhan Singh and Darshan Singh, both from Seona, utilised Rs 2 lakh loans to launch furniture businesses. Captain Singh from Khutti Chhanna opened a shop with a Rs 3 lakh loan. Harbhajan Singh from Chuharpur Marasian and Harjinder Singh from Shahpur invested their loans in dairy ventures. All expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to support small enterprises and promote self-reliance.

Ten students who received scholarships ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme said the financial aid rekindled their educational aspirations. “We were on the verge of dropping out due to monetary constraints, but this support has allowed us to continue our studies,” one of the students said.

The event underscored the government’s commitment to the upliftment of economically and socially disadvantaged groups through sustained support and opportunity.

Patiala