The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making dedicated efforts towards the comprehensive development of all sections of the state. Aiming to uplift the visually impaired and persons with disabilities, the government will soon implement fare concessions for attendants of visually impaired individuals on government buses and fee waivers for government job examinations.
The announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, during a state-level function organized by the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development on International Women’s Day at NIPAR Institute.
As the chief guest, Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed appointment letters to 09 supervisors and 09 clerks in the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, and 14 steno typists in the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities. Additionally, the Cabinet Minister distributed loans amounting to Rs 1.66 crore to 82 beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land and Finance Corporation, and loans of Rs 32.45 lakh to 17 beneficiaries of backward classes from Backfinco. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the historical challenges faced by women and emphasized the need for prioritizing women’s well-being. She acknowledged the prevalence of anemia among women due to self-neglect and commended historical figures like Mai Bhago and Rani Lakshmi Bai as sources of inspiration.
The minister expressed the department’s commitment to empowering women through government job opportunities, contributing to societal strength. She also mentioned the ongoing efforts to meet the demands of Anganwadi workers. Dr. Baljit Kaur stressed the pivotal role of education in empowering women and urged parents to provide their daughters with extensive education. Regarding the distributed loans, she explained that the Punjab government, through SC and BC Corporations, encourages economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes by providing low-interest loans to individuals in need. The event also featured the traditional ‘Goad Bharai Rasam’ for pregnant women, honoring 40 newborn girls and their mothers. Outstanding women contributors to society, including Mrs. Yogita Verma, Dr. Navpreet Kaur, Simarpreet Kaur, Harinder Kaur, Deepti, and Ramjot Kaur, were recognized.
