Vidhan Sabha panel reviews schemes for SC/ST, BC students

A welfare committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha On Wednesday visited Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) to review the implementation of government welfare schemes for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Backward Classes (BC).

The committee, led by Chairperson Saravjit Kaur Manuke and members Amit Rattan, Dr Jasbir Sandhu, Dr Nachhatar Pal, Dalbir Singh Tong, Jagsir Singh and other Vidhan Sabha staff, met Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh. The Vice-Chancellor apprised the committee that the university has been implementing all government welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes students. He highlighted that the institution has been making sustained efforts to reduce dropout rates, disburse scholarships on time and introduce employment-oriented programmes to empower students from reserved categories.

Saravjit Kaur Manuke, Chairperson of the welfare committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, said the committee’s primary aim is to ensure effective execution of government welfare initiatives and to address any challenges that may arise in their implementation. She emphasised that “no student should face discrimination at any level,” and that all students must receive the benefits they are entitled to in a fair and timely manner.

The committee also recommended that all welfare schemes be periodically reviewed to ensure that no eligible student is deprived of benefits.

During the interaction, the committee raised queries related to a few student grievances, which were promptly addressed by the university authorities. Dr Vikram Sandhu, Nodal Officer, presented a detailed report on the activities and schemes implemented by the university for the welfare of students from reserved categories.

The committee also suggested strengthening and separating the nodal cell and student counselling mechanism, allowing students to discuss personal or academic issues confidentially with designated officers and counsellors.