₹16.36 Crore Released for Beneficiaries from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur
3,207 Beneficiaries Across 18 Districts to Receive Assistance Under Ashirwad Scheme
State Government Provides ₹51,000 Financial Aid Per Beneficiary, Says Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, June 6, 2025:
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today announced that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has released ₹16.36 crore during the current financial year 2025-26 to support 3,207 beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections through the Ashirwad Scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that applications were received via the Ashirwad Portal from eligible beneficiaries across 18 districts, including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran.
The government has sanctioned ₹16.36 crore to provide financial assistance of ₹51,000 each for the marriage of girls from low-income families belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections.
Breaking down the beneficiary numbers, the Minister said 94 from Barnala, 219 from Bathinda, 80 from Faridkot, 41 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 137 from Fazilka, 135 from Gurdaspur, 602 from Hoshiarpur, 123 from Jalandhar, and 27 from Kapurthala have received benefits. Additionally, 254 beneficiaries in Mansa, 64 in Moga, 43 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 616 in Patiala, 127 in Pathankot, 200 in SAS Nagar, 288 in Sangrur, 16 in Malerkotla, and 141 in Tarn Taran have been covered.
Dr. Baljit Kaur explained that to qualify for the Ashirwad Scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to families below the poverty line with an annual income not exceeding ₹32,790, and be from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or Economically Weaker Sections. Up to two daughters from such families are eligible for assistance.
The financial aid is disbursed directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely delivery.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Mann administration is dedicated to the welfare, upliftment, and socio-economic empowerment of marginalized communities across Punjab.