Punjab: Aims to cover 2.7 lakh SC students under scholarship scheme

Punjab: Punjab government data shows that the number of beneficiaries under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students is steadily increasing. Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that the AAP government has set a target of covering at least 2.70 lakh SC students this year. She told the Punjab Assembly that 2,26,427 beneficiaries benefited in 2022-23, 2,14,558 in 2023-24 and 2,37,456 in 2024-25. For the financial year 2025-26, the state government has so far released Rs 196 crore for 1,65,328 beneficiaries. He said that during 2025, more than 2.72 lakh SC students applied for the scholarship, which reflects the growing awareness and confidence of students in the scheme. The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students is implemented in a 60:40 ratio between the central and state governments.