MALOUT, 2 July — Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Wednesday handed out loan waiver certificates worth ₹8.72 crore to 505 families from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community during a public function held at K.G. Palace in Malout.
As part of the state government’s ongoing campaign to support weaker and backward sections, the minister also distributed sanction letters amounting to ₹71.40 lakh to 140 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme — each receiving ₹51,000 in financial assistance.
“This is a historic moment for Punjab,” said Dr. Kaur, addressing the gathering. “For the first time, the state has allocated its budget keeping in mind the welfare of the common man. Every rupee from the public treasury is being spent to uplift the poor, backward and marginalised.”
Dr. Kaur affirmed that the relief comes under the Punjab Scheduled Caste Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC), which is providing exemptions on all loans disbursed up to March 31, 2020. These include principal, interest and penalty interest, all of which will now be reimbursed by the state government to PSCFC as calculated up to April 30, 2025.
She added, “This waiver is not just financial relief — it’s a reaffirmation that the state stands with its people. Borrowers will now receive ‘No Dues’ certificates, and under PSCFC rules, no further recovery action will be taken.”
The minister emphasised that this level of support for Scheduled Caste communities and disabled persons is unprecedented in Punjab’s history. “It shows our government’s unwavering commitment to social equity,” she said.
The event witnessed participation from a large number of beneficiaries and local dignitaries, including District Welfare Officer Jagmohan Singh, Arshdeep Singh Sidhu (Personal Assistant to the Minister), Ramesh Singh Arniwala, Sukhpal Singh (President, Truck Union), and Sarpanches Yadwinder Singh, Nirmal Singh, Jyoti, among others.
The initiative forms a key part of the Punjab government’s broader welfare agenda under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aimed at ensuring inclusive development and equitable access to state resources.
