Chandigarh: The Punjab government has released Rs 65.20 crore in financial assistance to 12,784 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2026-27, Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr Baljit Kaur said on Saturday, October 24. Yaani: Rs 65.20 crore means Rs 65 crore and 20 lakh in total help reaching 12,784 families.
Source: Daily World
Under the scheme, eligible families receive Rs 51,000 for the marriage of a daughter, and up to two daughters from the same family can receive the benefit, the minister said. The assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Source: The North News
Giving the category-wise break-up, Dr Baljit Kaur said 8,774 beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste category have received Rs 44.75 crore, while 4,010 beneficiaries from Economically Weaker Sections and Backward Classes have received Rs 20.45 crore.
Applications from an additional 9,183 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries and 4,342 beneficiaries from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections are being processed, the minister said. She directed district and departmental officials to expedite verification and disposal of applications so that all eligible families receive the assistance without unnecessary delays.
The minister said the scheme aims to support families from disadvantaged sections and reduce the financial burden associated with their daughters' marriages, and that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains committed to inclusive welfare.