National

Dr. Baljit Kaur Calls on Central Government to Enhance Welfare Programs for SCs in Punjab

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2025

Punjab’s Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has highlighted the distinct challenges facing the state and has called on the Centre to introduce essential policy reforms aimed at benefiting Scheduled Castes (SCs).

During a high-level meeting in Delhi, attended by ministers from various States and Union Territories, Dr. Kaur emphasized that each state encounters unique obstacles, providing a platform for states to express their specific issues.

With nearly 32 percent of Punjab’s population belonging to SCs, a figure that may have risen, Dr. Kaur advocated for an increase in the gap-filling fund under the Adarsh Gram Yojana. She proposed raising the current allocation of Rs 20 lakh per project for villages to at least Rs 1 crore, as the existing amount is insufficient for comprehensive infrastructure initiatives, especially road construction.

She also noted that the Social Justice Department currently depends on the Rural Development Department for scheme implementation, which creates administrative challenges. To rectify this, she urged the government to provide comprehensive guidelines for establishing dedicated technical units at both district and state levels under the Social Justice Department for better monitoring and execution of projects.

Moreover, Dr. Kaur called for an increase in administrative charges from the current 4 percent to 10 percent to help cover expenses related to these technical units and ensure effective execution of welfare programs.

She stressed that states should have the autonomy to choose the villages for development projects, as they possess a better understanding of local conditions. Additionally, she recommended broadening the scope of infrastructure projects so that states can tailor development work to meet local needs.

Dr. Kaur requested that advances on administrative charges be disbursed for selected villages to facilitate necessary preparations in advance.

Addressing concerns about the funding mechanisms for skill development projects, she pointed out that the time required to execute these initiatives is substantial. The current stipulation that 75 percent of the previous installment must be utilized before releasing new funds often leads to delays in project implementation, a situation she urged the Centre to reconsider, especially during election periods when administrative processes tend to slow.

Another significant request was for an increase in financial assistance to beneficiaries from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, noting that the existing amount is insufficient compared to other schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Scheme. She also requested that this financial support be separated from any loan requirements, as many beneficiaries come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and lack collateral.

Highlighting the financial strain faced by Punjab, Dr. Kaur mentioned that 3,293 villages have been selected under the scheme, with a total outstanding amount of ₹684 crore. However, only ₹61 crore has been received from the Government of India so far, which limits coverage to just 365 villages. She strongly urged the Government of India to promptly release the pending ₹583 crore to facilitate the timely completion of ongoing development projects.

The Cabinet Minister expressed her confidence that the Government of India would favorably consider these requests, fostering inclusive growth and development for the Scheduled Castes community in Punjab. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to tirelessly work for the upliftment of marginalized sections of society.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.