Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government has released ₹14.12 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the 2026-27 financial year to benefit 2,769 eligible families belonging to the Backward Classes (BCs) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The financial assistance aims to help families meet the marriage expenses of their daughters while reducing their financial burden.
Announcing the initiative, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the funds were released after 2,769 eligible applications were received through the Ashirwad Portal from 19 districts across the state. She said the government remains committed to ensuring that welfare benefits reach deserving beneficiaries in a transparent, efficient and time-bound manner.
According to the minister, the beneficiaries include 556 from Patiala, 401 from Gurdaspur, 347 from Fazilka, 162 from Hoshiarpur, 161 from Rupnagar, 151 from Ludhiana, 117 from Malerkotla, 108 from SAS Nagar, 105 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 94 from Sangrur, 91 from Ferozepur, 85 from Barnala, 83 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 73 from Moga, 65 from SBS Nagar, 61 each from Bathinda and Pathankot, 31 from Faridkot, and 17 from Jalandhar.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Ashirwad Scheme provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of eligible girls from low-income families, ensuring that financial hardship does not become an obstacle during an important stage of their lives.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, and be from Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), or other Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹32,790, and a maximum of two daughters from an eligible family can receive the benefit.
The minister added that the assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely disbursement.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to social welfare, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is focused on ensuring that welfare schemes reach every deserving household, promoting social justice, financial security and inclusive development across the state.
