Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development and Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has transformed Punjab's future by placing employment, quality education and social equality at the centre of governance. She said the Government is committed to building a self-reliant, inclusive and progressive Punjab where every youth has access to dignified employment within the State and every child receives quality education.
Quoting eminent Punjabi poet Dr. Navtej Bharti, Dr. Baljit Kaur 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 this philosophy reflects the vision that drives the Mann Government's people-centric policies and welfare initiatives.
The Minister said reversing the long-standing trend of youth migrating abroad in search of employment was one of the Government's biggest challenges. Over the past four years, the State Government has created large-scale employment opportunities, enabling young people to build successful careers in Punjab itself. She added that the Government's objective is to ensure that every section of society becomes an equal stakeholder in the State's growth and prosperity.
Citing an example from her constituency, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 25 young people from village Fakarsar have secured employment during the last four years, including 20 from the Scheduled Caste community. She said this demonstrates that the benefits of the Government's policies are reaching deserving and marginalised sections of society at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the Government's commitment to educational empowerment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said previous governments had withheld Scheduled Caste scholarships for three years, adversely affecting the future of thousands of students. She said the Mann Government restored the scholarship scheme immediately after assuming office and increased the number of beneficiaries by 35 percent. As a result, more than 10 lakh Scheduled Caste students have benefited from scholarships during the past four years.
The Minister further said that the recruitment of 10,000 Anganwadi Workers and Helpers is far more than a government employment initiative. It is a historic step towards empowering women, particularly in rural Punjab, by providing them with sustainable livelihoods, strengthening thousands of families economically and enhancing women's confidence and financial independence.
Appreciating the far-reaching reforms introduced by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in government schools, Dr. Baljit Kaur said education and employment share an inseparable relationship. Quoting renowned Punjabi poet Dr. Surjit Patar, she remarked, "How profound is the relationship between education and livelihood." She said quality education is the strongest foundation for sustainable employment and social progress.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said Punjab's government schools have undergone a remarkable transformation, ensuring that children from both affluent and economically weaker families receive quality education on an equal footing. She reiterated that by integrating employment generation, educational reforms and social justice, the Mann Government is laying the foundation for a prosperous, self-reliant and vibrant Rangla Punjab, where growth and opportunities are accessible to every citizen.
