Punjab Cabinet waives Rs 68 crore loan for SC families
PTC Web Desk: In a major relief initiative for Scheduled Caste (SC) families, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approved a significant loan waiver for Dalit families at a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday
The waiver is all set to benefit 4,727 SC families across Punjab. The total amount of outstanding loans being waived is Rs 68 crore, which includes Rs 30 crore in principal, Rs 23 crore in interest, and Rs 15 crore in penal charges. These loans were taken primarily for initiating small-scale businesses and for educational purposes. Most of these debts date back as far as 20 years.
"This is a historic day of relief for thousands of families. Previous governments ignored this issue, but our administration is committed to social justice and economic rehabilitation," said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He said the Punjab State Cooperative Financing Society (PSCFS) loans up to March 31, 2020, had now been fully waived.
The Chief Minister further claimed, “We are waging a strong battle against drug addiction and working toward a healthier Punjab. Our governance has no procedural hurdles—only solutions.”
On inter-state water disputes, particularly concerning the Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB) issue with Haryana, CM Mann made the Punjab government's position clear. “We are the heirs of Bhai Kanhaiya, who served water even to enemies. But we won’t allow our rightful share of water to go elsewhere. Haryana has repeatedly been informed about its decreasing quota and should use its share judiciously,” he asserted.
He also called for a re-evaluation of old water-sharing agreements. “As per international norms and Riparian law, every agreement must be reviewed after 25 years. That hasn't happened here. A fresh study based on current ground realities is essential,” he added.
- PTC NEWS
