Committee reviews welfare schemes for Backward Classes

The Committee for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha convened a meeting in Patiala today to review the welfare schemes implemented by both the Central and Punjab governments. The committee emphasised the need to ensure that eligible individuals from these communities fully benefited from the schemes.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MLA from Amritsar West. Other members were Amit Ratan (MLA, Bathinda Rural), Gurdev Singh Dev Mann (MLA, Nabha), Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary (MLA, Phillaur), Master Jagsir Singh (MLA, Bhuchon) and Sukhwinder Singh Kotli (MLA, Adampur).

The committee expressed serious concern over the absence and tardiness of some departmental officials and announced that the next committee meeting would be held at the Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh. The MLAs called a detailed report on departmental activities over the last three years and directed the submission of complete information on the implementation of issued instructions. The committee reiterated that no effort must be spared in providing government’s welfare schemes and facilities to people of SC, ST and OBC communities.

Following the meeting, the committee visited Punjabi University, where they met the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other officials, and held discussions with the staff and students belonging to the SC, ST and OBC communities.