Chandigarh, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has released ₹383.52 crore in financial assistance to 75,199 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during 2025-26 and 2026-27 so far, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Saturday.
The scheme provides ₹51,000 to eligible families for the marriage of their daughters. Dr Baljit Kaur said two daughters from the same family are eligible to receive assistance under the scheme.
Giving details of the disbursement, the minister said ₹215.24 crore was released during 2025-26 to 42,203 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries. Another 20,212 beneficiaries belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Backward Classes received ₹103.08 crore during the same financial year.
During 2026-27 so far, ₹44.75 crore has been released to 8,774 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, while ₹20.45 crore has been provided to 4,010 beneficiaries from EWS and Backward Classes.
Dr Baljit Kaur said applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to families living below the poverty line and have an annual family income from all sources not exceeding ₹32,790 to qualify for the scheme.
She said the assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure transparency and timely disbursement.
The minister directed district and departmental officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is denied the scheme’s benefits. She instructed officials to process eligible applications promptly so that deserving families receive the assistance before their daughters’ marriages.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government was working to bring economically weaker and backward sections into the mainstream through welfare measures aimed at inclusive development and equal opportunities.
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