Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Govt releases Rs 13.05 crore under Ashirwad Scheme to benefit 2,559 families
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 23, 2026:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to inclusive development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, said the state 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, 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. She said the assistance helps families manage important social milestones and reduces their financial burden.
The Minister informed that applications were received through the Ashirwad portal from 12 districts — Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, SBS Nagar, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. She added that the sanctioned amount covers 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 informed that 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.
Highlighting the objective of the scheme, the Minister said that under the Ashirwad Scheme, ₹51,000 financial assistance is provided for the marriage of girls from low-income families to ensure social dignity and ease financial stress.
She said that to avail the benefit, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family and fall under SC, Backward Classes or Economically Weaker Sections. The total annual family income from all sources should be below ₹32,790, she added, noting that up to two daughters from one eligible family can avail the benefit.
Emphasising transparency, Dr Baljit Kaur said the financial assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure timely and transparent delivery.