Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Ashirwad Scheme: Punjab releases Rs 31.78 crore for SC Marriage assistance
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 15, 2026: Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, on Thursday said that the state government has released ₹31.78 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2025–26, providing financial assistance to 6,231 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries across 12 districts of the state.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s firm commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to economically empower every section of society. She noted that the Ashirwad Scheme plays a crucial role in easing the financial burden on economically weaker families at the time of their daughters’ marriages.
Sharing district-wise details, the Minister said that during the current financial year, applications were received through the Ashirwad portal from Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, SBS Nagar, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. Funds amounting to ₹31.78 crore have been disbursed to eligible beneficiaries in these districts.
Under the scheme, 155 beneficiaries in Faridkot, 242 in Ferozepur, 124 in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 1,647 in Fazilka, 226 in Gurdaspur and 70 in Jalandhar received assistance. Likewise, benefits were extended to 615 beneficiaries in Kapurthala, 2,498 in Ludhiana, 178 in Patiala, 152 in SBS Nagar, 117 in Sangrur and 207 in Tarn Taran.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the state government provides ₹51,000 as financial assistance for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families under the Ashirwad Scheme. To be eligible, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and have an annual family income of less than ₹32,790 from all sources. Each eligible family can avail the benefit for two daughters.
Dr Baljit Kaur further stated that the assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely disbursement.