Chandigarh — In a landmark move aimed at enhancing access to higher education for students from Backward Classes, Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced the construction of two modern hostels in the state — a first in Punjab’s history.
The initiative will see one hostel built for boys and another for girls, each with a capacity of 100 students. The total project cost is pegged at ₹6.99 crore, with ₹3.49 crore allocated for each facility. The state government has already approved and sanctioned the first instalment of ₹1.12 crore, which will soon be transferred to Punjabi University, Patiala, enabling immediate commencement of construction.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the hostels will feature modern amenities, comfortable living spaces, and a conducive environment for study. Designed to meet the needs of students coming from remote and underserved areas, the facilities aim to eliminate a critical barrier to higher education — lack of proper residential infrastructure.
“This is not just an infrastructure project, but a step towards social empowerment and educational equity,” she said, stressing that the Punjab Government is committed to student-centric development, self-reliance, and capacity building for youth from marginalized backgrounds.
She noted that a shortage of affordable and safe hostel accommodations had previously deprived many students from Backward Classes of opportunities for higher studies. By addressing this gap, the government hopes to level the playing field and ensure that financial or geographical constraints no longer hinder academic aspirations.
As part of the broader vision, the state government has invited proposals from other higher educational institutions to set up similar hostels across Punjab. This, according to Dr. Kaur, will extend the benefits to students in different regions and foster a more inclusive education system.
Expressing optimism, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the initiative will encourage more students from Backward Classes to pursue higher education and actively contribute to the state’s growth. She added that such projects will also set the tone for future student-friendly welfare schemes.
