Punjab Newsline,Punjab:
Rs 51,000 marriage assistance for daughters of economically weaker families in 12 districts:Dr. Baljit Kaur
Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment to inclusive development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the state government is taking decisive steps to strengthen the economic condition of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections.
Sharing details of the Ashirwad Scheme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the financial year 2025–26, the Punjab government has released Rs 13.05 crore to benefit 2,559 families belonging to backward classes and economically weaker sections. She said the assistance has been provided to reduce the financial burden on eligible families.
The minister informed 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. An amount of Rs 13.05 crore has been approved to cover all eligible beneficiaries from these districts.
Sharing district-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said financial assistance was provided to 19 beneficiaries in Faridkot, 45 in Ferozepur, 83 in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 723 in Fazilka, 291 in Gurdaspur and 7 in Jalandhar. Similarly, 163 beneficiaries in Kapurthala, 892 in Ludhiana, 175 in Patiala, 43 in SBS Nagar, 37 in Sangrur and 81 in Tarn Taran were covered under the scheme.
Highlighting the objective of the Ashirwad Scheme, the minister said that financial assistance of Rs 51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters from low-income families to ease their financial burden and ensure social dignity.
Explaining the eligibility criteria, she said the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line family and be from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or Economically Weaker Sections. The total annual family income from all sources should be less than Rs 32,790. A maximum of two daughters from an eligible family can avail the benefit under the scheme.
Emphasising transparency, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the financial assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and timely delivery of funds.
She said the Punjab government is working at a fast pace to uplift the living standards of all sections of society and empower economically weaker families, reflecting its commitment to building an equal and inclusive Punjab