Chandigarh, July 24,2026 ,Fact Recorder
Punjab Desk: Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and social justice, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the State Government has released ₹14.12 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial year 2026-27 for the benefit of 2,769 eligible beneficiaries belonging to the Backward Classes (BCs) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The financial assistance will help eligible families meet the marriage-related expenses of their daughters with dignity while easing their financial burden.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 2,769 eligible applications from beneficiaries across 19 districts were received through the Ashirwad Portal during the current financial year. To ensure that every eligible family receives timely financial assistance, the Punjab Government has released ₹14.12 crore, reflecting its commitment to delivering welfare benefits in a transparent, efficient and time-bound manner.
The Minister informed that the beneficiaries include 85 from Barnala, 61 from Bathinda, 31 from Faridkot, 91 from Ferozepur, 83 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 347 from Fazilka, 401 from Gurdaspur, 162 from Hoshiarpur, 17 from Jalandhar, 151 from Ludhiana, 73 from Moga, 105 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 556 from Patiala, 61 from Pathankot, 161 from Rupnagar, 108 from SAS Nagar, 65 from SBS Nagar, 94 from Sangrur and 117 from Malerkotla.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of eligible girls belonging to low-income families, ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to one of the most significant milestones in their lives.
The Cabinet Minister further said that to avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, and be from the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other Economically Weaker Sections, with the family’s annual income from all sources not exceeding ₹32,790. She added that up to two daughters from an eligible family can avail the benefits under the scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that the financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely delivery of benefits.
The Cabinet Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is ensuring that welfare schemes reach every deserving household in a transparent and time-bound manner. She reaffirmed that the Government remains firmly committed to strengthening the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections, empowering families with dignity, financial security and equal opportunities, and ensuring that no deserving beneficiary is left behind in Punjab’s journey towards “Rangla Punjab” built on the principles of social justice, inclusive growth and equitable development.
