Punjab govt releases Rs 65.20 crore under ‘Ashirwad’ scheme

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The Punjab Government released Rs 65.20 crore to 12,784 beneficiaries under the “Ashirwad” Scheme during the 2026-27 financial year to support the marriages of daughters from economically weaker and marginalised families. Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said eligible beneficiaries received ₹51,000 each under the scheme, which allowed assistance for up to two daughters from a family.

Giving a category-wise breakdown, the minister said 8,774 beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste category received Rs 44.75 crore, while 4,010 beneficiaries from Economically Weaker Sections and Backward Classes received ₹20.45 crore.

Dr Baljit Kaur said the government was processing applications from another 9,183 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries and 4,342 applicants from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections for financial assistance.

She said the government transferred the assistance directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer system to promote transparency and ensure timely payments.

The minister directed district and departmental officials to speed up verification and application disposal so no eligible family was deprived of the scheme’s benefits.

She said the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remained committed to supporting disadvantaged sections through welfare schemes that promote social inclusion and equitable development.