“Upliftment of socially and economically disadvantaged sections remains a top priority of the Punjab Government,” says the Cabinet Minister
Chandigarh, April 6:
The Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. As part of this commitment, financial assistance amounting to Rs. 102.69 crore has been disbursed under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial year 2024–25 for the welfare of backward classes and economically weaker sections. This was stated by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that financial assistance under this scheme has been extended to 20,136 beneficiaries so far. Under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 for the marriage of daughters belonging to low-income families.
The Cabinet Minister added that to avail the benefits of this scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab and belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or other economically weaker section. Moreover, the family’s total annual income must not exceed Rs. 32,790. Eligible families can avail the scheme’s benefits for up to two daughters.
She further informed that the financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of benefits.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government is making relentless efforts to improve the living standards of every citizen and empower the underprivileged through various welfare schemes. She reiterated the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society.
