MOHALI: Over 2.5 lacs of SC/ST students of Punjab were in dilemma when the centre stopped funding Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students from 2017-2018 onwards. On one hand, existing students were finding it tough to continue the study, on the other hand, the number of students studying under this scheme had fallen to 2.5 lacs from 3.25 lacs.
Under this scheme, the bill of total outstanding amount due towards college/students which was to be paid by Center/ State Government crossed over 1850 crores. But this Sunday, it was a major relief when Captain Amarinder Singh while replying to the questions of the public, assured that he will look into this and will try to resolve all doubts related to the above matter.
More than 2.5 Lakh SC-ST Students happy with CM
The Unaided Colleges of Punjab have welcomed the statement of Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab in which he assured to find a solution to the pending Post Matric Scholarship in Punjab. On the other hand this statement has spread happiness among 2.5 lacs students studying under SC-ST scholarship and around 1600 Unaided Institutes of Punjab.
Joint Action Committee (JAC) welcomed CM’s Decision
The Joint Action Committee of Uniaded Colleges of Punjab also thanked the Captain's assurance. Dr. Anshu Kataria, Spokesman, Joint Action Committee and President, PUCA said that a meeting of Joint Action Committee held today in which Presidents of 13 Association of Punjab participated and praised the Chief Minister's decision.
Renowned Educationists appreciated CM
The meeting was attended by Sh. Jagjit Singh, President, B.Ed Federation; S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University; Mr. Charanjit Singh Walia, President, Nursing Colleges Association; Dr. Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal, President, Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association (PUTIA); S. Manjit Singh, Vice President, PUTIA; Dr. Anshu Kataria, President, PUCA; S. Nirmal Singh, ETT Federation; S. Sukhmander Singh Chatha, President, Punjab Unaided Degree Colleges Association (PUDCA); S Rajinder Dhanoa, Polytechnic Association; Mr. Shimanshu Gupta, ITI Association; Sh. Vipin Sharma, Confederation of Unaided Colleges Association; Sh. Anil Chopra, Confederation of Punjab Unaided Institutions; Mr. Jasnik Singh, B.Ed. Association, PU; Dr. Satwinder Sandhu, B.Ed Association GNDU Colleges.
Private Universities also appreciated CM’s Decision
S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University said that CM, Punjab has taken a very bold initiative in which 2.5 lakh students of Punjab have heaved a sigh of relief. Sandhu further said that Punjab has always been a leader in decision making for the welfare of the People of Punjab. Capt Amarinder Singh has shown his leadership quality by owning the scheme and has stopped all the speculations.