Chandigarh: The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has released ₹16.74 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme to support the marriages of daughters from Scheduled Caste (SC) families. The initiative aims to ease financial pressure on economically weaker households and ensure dignified social support.
The announcement was made by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minority Affairs Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, who reiterated the state government’s commitment to helping poor and vulnerable families through transparent and direct benefit transfer systems.
₹51,000 Marriage Assistance for Eligible Families
Under the Ashirwad Scheme, eligible families receive ₹51,000 financial assistance for the marriage of their daughters. The government has sanctioned aid for 3,282 beneficiaries during the financial year 2026–27.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the assistance is being directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and eliminate delays or middlemen.
She emphasized that no family should face financial hardship or debt due to the marriage of a daughter.
3,282 Beneficiaries Covered Across 14 Districts
The scheme benefits families across 14 districts of Punjab, with applications processed through the Ashirwad Portal.
Key district-wise distribution includes:
- Amritsar: 1,178 beneficiaries
- Jalandhar: 877 beneficiaries
- Kapurthala: 427 beneficiaries
- SBS Nagar: 261 beneficiaries
- Pathankot: 210 beneficiaries
- Barnala: 61 beneficiaries
- Patiala: 61 beneficiaries
- Mansa: 50 beneficiaries
- Fatehgarh Sahib: 47 beneficiaries
- Bathinda: 39 beneficiaries
- SAS Nagar: 29 beneficiaries
- Faridkot: 28 beneficiaries
- Malerkotla: 13 beneficiaries
- Sangrur: 1 beneficiary
Officials confirmed that all applications received through the portal from these districts have been processed under the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria Under Ashirwad Scheme
To avail benefits under the scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Permanent resident of Punjab
- Belong to SC, BC, or economically weaker sections
- Annual family income below ₹32,790
- Benefit applicable for up to two daughters per family
The scheme is designed to ensure targeted support reaches the most deserving households.
Government Focus on Social Welfare and Inclusion
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government remains committed to improving the living standards of marginalized communities. The state is focusing on:
- Strengthening social security systems
- Supporting economically weaker sections
- Ensuring timely welfare delivery
- Promoting dignity in social and family life
She added that the government’s welfare policies aim to reduce inequality and provide long-term financial stability to vulnerable families.
About Punjab Government Welfare Initiative
The Ashirwad Scheme is a flagship social welfare program of the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aimed at providing financial assistance for marriages of girls from economically weaker sections, ensuring social dignity and financial relief to thousands of families across the state.
