Welfare schemes by the State of Punjab for Population/”>vulnerable sections of the population
Scheduled Castes Sub Plan
The SC population in the State is predominantly rural by residence. As per Census 2011, 73.33% SC people live in the rural area, whereas, 26.67% SC people reside in the urban area of the State.
As per Census-2011, Literacy rate among SCs is 64.81% as compared to total literacy rate of 75.84% of the State and 73.00% of the Country as a whole. The female literacy rate of SCs at 58.39% of the State also lags behind that of total 70.73% of the State. However, it is better than the SC female literacy rate at 56.46% of the Country. The SC male literacy rate at 70.66% of the State is also lower than the total male literacy rate of 80.44% of the State.
As per survey conducted by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats for rural areas in 2002 and the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) in urban areas in 2004, out of total 5.23 lac families living below the POVERTY line, 3.21 lac families (61.38%) belong to Scheduled Castes. Since the lists of these SC BPL families have almost exhausted, after a decade period, the concerned departments/agencies are finding it very difficult to utilize the funds received from GOI/State Govt. for BPL SC families. On the other hand, the Ministry of Rural Development & Panchayats, GOI has not released the list of BPL SCs for the States on the basis of Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011 as yet. State Govt. on the advice of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, annual income limit for BPL SC families has been enhanced from ` 20,000/- to ` 67,649 for rural area and from ` 27,500 to ` 88,756 for urban area (for bankable and non bankable schemes) on the basis of the figures regarding per capita income of the States released by the erstwhile Planning Commission in June, 2014.
Assessment of Social Security Programs including Atta Dal Scheme
Planning has traditionally focused on the need to provide special support to disadvantage groups such as Scheduled Caste, other backward classes, minorities and other marginalized and vulnerable groups which suffer from disabilities, street children etc. The incidences of poverty have been most pronounced among these groups. The state has focused on reducing poverty by promoting productive EMPLOYMENT to meet the aspirations of youth and upliftment of these groups accompanied by an introduction of various social security programmes including an innovative scheme popularly known as Atta Dal scheme for ensuring Food Security amongst the households belonging to lower strata of Society.
Atta Dal Scheme
Government of Punjab has given top priority to the welfare of the weaker sections of the society and ensures that prices of all the essential commodities shall remain within the reach of the common man. To protect the weaker sections against rising prices, Punjab Government has launched a Atta Dal Scheme.
The State Government has implemented National Food Security Act, 2013 and has launched New Atta Dal Scheme after revamping the existing Atta Dal Scheme in December, 2013. Under the modified scheme, the income limit for identification of beneficiary family has been raised from Rs.30,000/- per annum to Rs 60,000 per annum and the selling price of wheat has been reduced from Rs 4/- per kg to Rs 2/- per kg. The number of beneficiaries under the new Atta Dal Scheme has been doubled from 15.41 lac to 31.00 lac. Under the new Atta Dal Scheme, wheat and pulses are provided at Rs 2/- per kg and Rs 30/- per kg respectively subject to a limit of 35/-kg of wheat to AAA category of beneficiary amily and 25/- kg to others and 2.5 kg of pulses per family per month. The total subsidy amounts to Rs. 2026 crore from August 2007 up to March, 2015.
Old Age Pension
The State Government introduced ‘Old age pension’ scheme in the year 1964. Under this scheme, Rs. 200/- per month pension was granted to the eligible person. The rate has been enhanced to Rs. 250/- per month w.e.f 2006-07. As per the existing policy, the eligibility criteria is as under:
- The applicant should be 58 years or above in case of Women and 65 years or above in case of men. The state government has lowered the age limit in case of women pensioners from 60 years to 58 years w.e.f 2011-12.
- The applicant should not have monthly income more than Rs. 1000/- in case of single person and Rs. 1500/- in case of couple, from all sources.
Widows and Destitute Women
This scheme was started in the year 1968. The purpose of the scheme is to provide financial assistance of Rs. 250/- per month to the widows and destitute women under following conditions:
- Woman below the age of 58 years who have no means of subsistence or have been deprived of her husband’s support due to one or the other reason or the unmarried woman above the age of 30 years living the life of destitution is eligible to get the benefit of this scheme.
- The monthly income of the applicant from all sources should be less than Rs. 1000/-.
Empowering poor by Improving Productive Base and Forming Self Help Groups/Co-operatives
Basically two types of Poverty Alleviation programmes are in progress. These are wage employment and self-employment programmes. The wage employment programmes normally keep the poor dependent on government support forever. In contrast, under self-employment poverty alleviation programmes productive assets for sustainable selfemployment are created. From the long term perspective, preference should be given to the creation of productive assets of the poor households so that they can reach the take off stage and become self reliant for their livelihoods.
Institutions for the protection of vulnerable people in Punjab
Punjab state commission for protection of child rights
To protect the rights of children and pursuit the cases committed against the children in the State of Punjab, State Government has constituted the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights under section 17 of The Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 on dated 15.04.2011. As per the mandate of the Act, the Commission inquires into the crimes happening against children like kidnaping, murder, rape and Child Labour etc and also takes suo motto cognizance of cases published in the print and electronic media and recommends appropriate remedial measures and initiation of proceedings in such cases. Beside this, the Commission spreads child rights literacy among various stakeholders and general public to promote awareness through various means.
Punjab women commission india
The Punjab State Commission for Women has been constituted under Punjab State Women Commission Act to provide for the constitution of the State Commission for Women with a view the Status of women in the State of Punjab and to inquire into unfair practices affecting women and for the matters connected there with or incidental there to. The functions of commission are as follows:
Punjab state commission for minorities
Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes has been constituted on 16.2.2004 under ‘The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Act, 2004’. The objective of constituting the Commission is to protect and safeguarding the interests of the members of the Scheduled Castes in the State of punjab, to recommend the remedial measures of their welfare and development in the matters connected therewith or incidentally thereto. Commission consists of Chairperson, ten non-official Members (including Senior Vice Chairman and Vice Chairperson) and one Member Secretary. The amendment was made in the Principal Act during 2006 through ‘The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes (Amendment) Act, 2006’. The Principal Act further amended in the 2016 through ‘The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes (Amendment) Act, 2016’.
Functions of the commission are as follows:
- To make recommendation with a view to ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of all the safeguards;
- To monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the constitution, laws enacted by the Parliament or State Legislature and policies and schemes of the Government for Minorities;
- To conduct studies, research and analysis on the questions of avoidance of discriminations against minorities;
- To make assessment of the representation of minorities in the various Services under the Government and the means to achieve the desired level;
- To make recommendations for ensuring, maintaining and promoting communal harmony in the State;
- To study any other matter, which in the opinion of the Commission, is important from the point of view of the welfare and development of minorities, and to make appropriate recommendations;
- To consider the grievances of the minorities and to suggest appropriate solution from time to time;
- To look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities; and
- To co-ordinate and supervise the implementation of the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities.
Provisions for betterment and welfare of the disabled
- All children born in Govt. Hospitals, Homes, enrolled in Anganwari Centres in a year and all school children are regularly provided Health check up under school health programme. Disabled children are identified and referred to hospitals for further management. Early Intervention Centers have been constructed in five districts i.e. Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, and Tarn Taran. Special medical and Health Education camps are organized from time to time in which people are educated about general hygiene, sanitation and preventive measures such as role of Vaccines in preventing diseases, role of Nutrition, iron and folic acid (IFA)during pregnancy, role of iodized salt, Vitamin A etc.
- There are 96,186 differently abled children below 18 year of age studying in schools. Differently abled children are paid scholarship @ Rs. 200/- p.m. up to 8th class and Rs. 300/- up to 12th class. The State Govt. provides free education to disabled children upto 12th standard.
- A special employment exchange is established at Ludhiana for PwDs, where 776 unemployed PwDs are registered. An Unemployment allowance of Rs. 450/- per month to those who have qualification upto 12th standard and Rs. 600/- per month to those who have the qualification above the 12th standard is provided. The unemployment allowance is given after 2 years from the date of registration, if they don’t get employment.
- Braille Press is set up at Jamalpur in Ludhiana where Braille books upto 10th standard, as per PSEB syllabus, are printed and are supplied free of cost to the blind students. A Govt. Institution for Blind is running at Jamalpur where 60 students including 32 boys and 28 girls are studying upto10th standard with facility of free boarding and lodging including free books.
- To provide skill training, there are 3 Vocational Rehabilitation Centres at Bathinda, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana where differently abled persons are trained in trades of Computer, Stitching and Tailoring, Embroidery and Stenography. In addition to it a NGO namely Sarthak Educational Trust has been roped in to provide skill training to differently abled persons in the State.
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The State of Punjab has a long history of providing welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population. These schemes are designed to provide financial assistance, education, and other forms of support to those who need it most.
Some of the most important welfare schemes in Punjab include:
- Atta Dal Scheme: This scheme provides free wheat and rice to families below the Poverty Line.
- Atta Shagun Scheme: This scheme provides a one-time cash assistance to families with a girl child on the occasion of her marriage.
- Atta Sahab Scheme: This scheme provides free wheat flour to senior citizens.
- Bedia Marriage Assistance Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to families of Bedia women who are getting married.
- Chief Minister’s New Pension Scheme: This scheme provides a pension to people above the age of 60 who are not covered by any other pension scheme.
- Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes: This scheme provides scholarships to students from Scheduled Castes for pursuing higher education.
- Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Backward Classes: This scheme provides scholarships to students from Backward Classes for pursuing higher education.
- Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Physically Handicapped: This scheme provides scholarships to students with disabilities for pursuing higher education.
- Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Widows and Divorcees: This scheme provides scholarships to widows and divorcees for pursuing higher education.
- Chief Minister’s Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to widows who are remarrying.
- Dalit Bandhu Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to Dalit families to improve their socio-economic condition.
- Daughter Marriage Assistance Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to families of girls who are getting married.
- Free Medical Aid Scheme for Below Poverty Line Families: This scheme provides free medical treatment to families below the poverty line.
- Free Power to Below Poverty Line Families: This scheme provides free electricity to families below the poverty line.
- Free School Uniform Scheme: This scheme provides free school uniforms to students from families below the poverty line.
- Free Textbook Scheme: This scheme provides free textbooks to students from families below the poverty line.
- Indira Gandhi Shaadi Kaushal Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to girls from poor families who are getting married.
- Kanyadaan Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to families of girls who are getting married.
- Ladli Beti Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to families of girl children.
- Old Age Pension Scheme: This scheme provides a pension to people above the age of 60.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: This scheme provides training and financial assistance to youth to acquire skills.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: This scheme provides a bank account, a RuPay debit card, and a life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh to people below the poverty line.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: This scheme provides a monthly pension of Rs. 500 to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: This scheme provides a life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh to people below the poverty line.
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: This scheme provides a life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh to people below the poverty line.
These are just some of the many welfare schemes that are available in Punjab. The state government is committed to providing assistance to all sections of the population, and these schemes are a reflection of that commitment.
The welfare schemes in Punjab have had a positive impact on the lives of many people. They have helped to improve the living standards of the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. They have also helped to reduce poverty and inequality.
However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed in order to make these schemes more effective. One challenge is that the schemes are not always well-implemented. This can lead to delays in the disbursement of benefits and other problems. Another challenge is that the schemes are not always well-targeted. This means that some people who are eligible for benefits may not be receiving them, while others who are not eligible may be receiving them.
Despite these challenges, the welfare schemes in Punjab are an important part of the state’s social safety net. They provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable sections of the population, and they help to improve the lives of many people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Welfare Schemes by the State of Punjab for Vulnerable Sections of the Population
What are the welfare schemes by the State of Punjab for vulnerable sections of the population?
The State of Punjab has a number of welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population, including the following:
- Punjab Shagun Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to the families of girls who are getting married.
- Punjab Atta-Dal Scheme: This scheme provides free wheat flour and rice to the poor families.
- Punjab Old Age Pension Scheme: This scheme provides a monthly pension to the elderly people.
- Punjab Widow Pension Scheme: This scheme provides a monthly pension to the widows.
- Punjab Handicapped Pension Scheme: This scheme provides a monthly pension to the handicapped people.
- Punjab Free Medical Aid Scheme: This scheme provides free medical treatment to the poor people.
- Punjab Free Education Scheme: This scheme provides free education to the poor children.
- Punjab Free Housing Scheme: This scheme provides free housing to the poor people.
- Punjab Employment Generation Scheme: This scheme provides employment opportunities to the poor people.
Who are the beneficiaries of these welfare schemes?
The beneficiaries of these welfare schemes are the poor, the elderly, the widows, the handicapped, the sick, the children, and the unemployed people.
How can I apply for these welfare schemes?
You can apply for these welfare schemes at the nearest government office. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, age, and income.
What are the eligibility criteria for these welfare schemes?
The eligibility criteria for these welfare schemes vary depending on the scheme. However, in general, you must be a resident of Punjab and you must meet the income and asset criteria.
What are the documents required to apply for these welfare schemes?
The documents required to apply for these welfare schemes vary depending on the scheme. However, in general, you will need to provide a proof of identity, a proof of address, and a proof of income.
What is the process of applying for these welfare schemes?
The process of applying for these welfare schemes varies depending on the scheme. However, in general, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the nearest government office. You may also be required to provide some supporting documents.
What is the timeline for processing the application?
The timeline for processing the application varies depending on the scheme. However, in general, it takes a few weeks to process the application.
What is the outcome of the application?
The outcome of the application depends on the eligibility criteria and the documents submitted. If you are eligible for the scheme, you will be provided with the benefits.
What are the benefits of these welfare schemes?
The benefits of these welfare schemes vary depending on the scheme. However, in general, the benefits include financial assistance, free medical treatment, free education, free housing, and employment opportunities.
What are the challenges faced in implementing these welfare schemes?
The challenges faced in implementing these welfare schemes include the following:
- Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of these welfare schemes.
- Bureaucratic red tape: The process of applying for these welfare schemes is often long and complicated.
- Corruption: There have been reports of corruption in the implementation of these welfare schemes.
- Inefficiency: The implementation of these welfare schemes is often inefficient.
What are the measures taken to address these challenges?
The measures taken to address these challenges include the following:
- Awareness campaigns: The government has launched awareness campaigns to make people aware of these welfare schemes.
- SIMPLIFICATION of procedures: The government has simplified the procedures for applying for these welfare schemes.
- Anti-corruption measures: The government has taken measures to curb corruption in the implementation of these welfare schemes.
- Improvement of efficiency: The government has taken measures to improve the efficiency of the implementation of these welfare schemes.
Question 1
The State of Punjab has launched a number of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections of the population. Which of the following is not one of these schemes?
(A) Atta Dal Scheme
(B) Shagun Scheme
(C) Old Age Pension Scheme
(D) Widow Pension Scheme
Answer
(D)
The Widow Pension Scheme is a central government scheme, not a state government scheme.
Question 2
The Atta Dal Scheme provides free wheat and rice to the poor. How much wheat and rice is provided per person per month?
(A) 5 kg wheat and 1 kg rice
(B) 2 kg wheat and 1 kg rice
(C) 1 kg wheat and 1 kg rice
(D) 0.5 kg wheat and 0.5 kg rice
Answer
(A)
Under the Atta Dal Scheme, 5 kg wheat and 1 kg rice is provided per person per month.
Question 3
The Shagun Scheme provides financial assistance to the families of girls getting married. How much financial assistance is provided?
(A) Rs. 10,000
(B) Rs. 15,000
(C) Rs. 20,000
(D) Rs. 25,000
Answer
(C)
Under the Shagun Scheme, Rs. 20,000 is provided to the families of girls getting married.
Question 4
The Old Age Pension Scheme provides a monthly pension to the elderly. How much is the pension?
(A) Rs. 1,000
(B) Rs. 1,500
(C) Rs. 2,000
(D) Rs. 2,500
Answer
(C)
Under the Old Age Pension Scheme, Rs. 2,000 is provided as a monthly pension to the elderly.
Question 5
The Widow Pension Scheme provides a monthly pension to widows. How much is the pension?
(A) Rs. 1,000
(B) Rs. 1,500
(C) Rs. 2,000
(D) Rs. 2,500
Answer
(B)
Under the Widow Pension Scheme, Rs. 1,500 is provided as a monthly pension to widows.