In a significant push for social welfare and infrastructure development, Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur inaugurated multiple initiatives at the Dr Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses in Mohali on Friday, December 19, 2025. The minister spearheaded events focusing on institutional upgrade, social harmony, and skill empowerment.
Major Infrastructure Overhaul for Dr Ambedkar Institute
The cornerstone of the event was the foundation stone laying for the Phase-II renovation works of the institute. Dr Baljit Kaur, who holds portfolios for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security, and Woman and Child Development, announced that an allocation of Rs 91 lakh has been sanctioned for this phase.
The comprehensive renovation plan includes critical civil repairs, waterproofing, concrete fixing, painting, and paver works. The minister revealed that during her earlier visit, severe long-standing infrastructure issues were identified, including persistent sewerage overflow, water supply deficiencies, and a general lack of renovation for almost three decades. This discovery prompted the state government's immediate approval for the project.
Dr Kaur provided context by highlighting the Phase-I renovation, which was executed in 2023 at a cost of Rs 147.49 lakh. That initial phase involved constructing new toilets in the hostels and administrative block, undertaking public health works, and replacing old 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 stated.
Boosting Social Equality and Youth Employability
Beyond infrastructure, the event was a platform for advancing social justice. Dr Kaur distributed financial incentives under the Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme, clearing a longstanding backlog. A total of Rs 11.40 lakh was handed over to 57 beneficiary couples. Each couple received Rs 50,000, which includes a National Savings Certificate worth Rs 20,000. The minister emphasized that these pending incentives were cleared by the present government to actively promote social equality and harmony.
In a move aimed at economic empowerment, the minister also launched a new skill development course exclusively for 100 Scheduled Caste girls. This initiative is designed to enhance their employability and foster self-reliance. Dr Kaur reiterated the government's commitment to providing equal opportunities for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, minorities, and economically weaker sections.
Future Commitments and Honouring Dr Ambedkar's Vision
Outlining the roadmap ahead, Dr Baljit Kaur announced several forthcoming improvements for the institute. These include introducing new courses, modernizing the library, and expediting the process to fill all vacant posts at the earliest. In a bid to attract and retain quality educators, she declared that the honorarium for guest faculty has been doubled from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per hour.
Concluding her address, the minister connected these multifaceted efforts to the broader governing philosophy. "We are working to realise the ideals of equality, justice and education as envisioned by Baba Sahib Dr B R Ambedkar," she affirmed. The programme was attended by senior officials including Vimmi Bhullar, IAS, Director of the Department of Social Justice, and Ashish Kathuria, Principal of Dr Ambedkar Institute.
