24 september 2024 : The Punjab Government has disbursed ₹13.16 crore under the “Ashirwad” scheme, aimed at supporting the marriages of underprivileged girls from backward classes and economically weaker sections.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, announced that this funding will benefit 2,581 recipients. Under the Ashirwad scheme, the state provides financial assistance of up to ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls from low-income families.
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or other economically disadvantaged groups, and have an annual income of less than ₹32,790. The benefits extend to a maximum of two daughters per eligible family.
The minister stated that payments are directly transferred into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.