Chandigarh, Jan 23, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, commitment to inclusive development, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, said the Bhagwant Mann government is taking decisive steps to strengthen the economic condition of Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Sharing details of the Ashirwad Scheme, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the financial year 2025–26, the Punjab Government has released ₹13.05 crore to benefit 2,559 families belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections.
“This assistance has been provided under the Ashirwad Scheme to support families during important social milestones and to reduce their financial burden,” she said.
Explaining the outreach of the scheme, the Minister said that applications were received through the Ashirwad portal from 12 districts, including Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, SBS Nagar, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. She added, “An amount of ₹13.05 crore has been sanctioned to cover all eligible beneficiaries from these districts.”
Providing district-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Financial assistance has been extended to 19 beneficiaries from Faridkot, 45 from Ferozepur, 83 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 723 from Fazilka, 291 from Gurdaspur and 7 from Jalandhar.”
She further added, “Similarly, 163 beneficiaries from Kapurthala, 892 from Ludhiana, 175 from Patiala, 43 from SBS Nagar, 37 from Sangrur and 81 from Tarn Taran have also been covered under the scheme.”
Highlighting the objective of the Ashirwad Scheme, the Minister said, “Under this scheme, a financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of girls from low-income families. This support is aimed at easing their financial burden and ensuring social dignity.”
Detailing the eligibility criteria, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “To avail the benefit, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line family and be from the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other Economically Weaker Sections.
The total annual family income from all sources should be less than ₹32,790.” She added, “Up to two daughters from one eligible family can avail the benefit under the Ashirwad Scheme.”
Emphasizing transparency, the Minister said, “The financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of funds.”
Concluding, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government is working at a fast pace to uplift the standard of living of all sections of society and to empower economically weaker families, reaffirming our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive Punjab.”
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