Dr Baljit Kaur inaugurates major welfare and infra initiatives at Dr Ambedkar Institute

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kaur said that Rs 91 lakh will be spent on Phase-II renovation works, which include civil repairs, waterproofing, concrete fixing, painting and paver works. She said serious infrastructure issues such as sewerage overflow, water supply problems and lack of renovation for nearly three decades came to light during her visit, prompting the government to grant immediate approval for the project.

Highlighting earlier efforts, the minister said Phase-I renovation works, started in 2023, were completed at a cost of Rs 147.49 lakh. These included construction of new toilets in both hostels and the administrative block, public health works, and replacement of water and sewerage pipelines. “With the completion of both phases, the government has spent around Rs 2.30 crore on the institute’s renovation over the past two years,” she said.

Under the Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme, Dr Kaur distributed Rs 11.40 lakh to 57 beneficiary couples, with Rs 50,000 per couple, including a National Savings Certificate of Rs 20,000. She noted that the incentives had remained pending for years and said the present government cleared the backlog to promote social equality and harmony.

The minister also launched a skill development course for 100 Scheduled Caste girls, aimed at enhancing employability and self-reliance. “The government is committed to providing equal opportunities to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, minorities and economically weaker sections,” she said, adding that new courses, library modernisation and early filling of vacant posts are in the pipeline.

Dr Kaur announced that the honorarium for guest faculty has been doubled from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per hour to attract quality educators.

Reiterating the government’s vision, she said, “We are working to realise the ideals of equality, justice and education as envisioned by Baba Sahib Dr B R Ambedkar.”

Among those present were Vimmi Bhullar, IAS, Director, Department of Social Justice, and Ashish Kathuria, principal of the institute.