Punjab releases Rs 23.32 crore under Ashirwad Scheme; 4,572 beneficiaries to receive marriage aid
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 31:The Punjab Government has released ₹23.32 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme to benefit 4,572 eligible beneficiaries across 18 districts, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said on Monday.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to welfare, Dr. Kaur said the initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to support economically weaker sections, particularly at the time of marriage of daughters.
Each beneficiary will receive financial assistance of ₹51,000, helping families manage expenses with dignity.
The Minister said the scheme has been implemented across districts including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla and Tarn Taran.
Providing details, she said Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 761, followed by Hoshiarpur and Mansa with 441 each, Ludhiana with 332, and Rupnagar with 293. Other districts also saw substantial coverage under the scheme, reflecting its wide reach.
Dr. Kaur said the Ashirwad Scheme is designed for families living below the poverty line, with an annual income of less than ₹32,790. It covers Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and other economically weaker sections, and allows benefits for up to two daughters per family.
She added that the financial assistance is directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and ease of access.
Reaffirming the government’s focus, Dr. Kaur said such people-centric schemes are aimed at strengthening social security and improving the living standards of vulnerable sections across Punjab.