Punjab releases Rs 383.52 crore to 75,199 beneficiaries under Ashirwad Scheme
₹51,000 assistance available for eligible daughters’ marriages; two daughters from a family can avail benefits
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 22, 2026: The Punjab Government has released ₹383.52 crore to 75,199 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 so far, Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Saturday.
The scheme provides ₹51,000 in financial assistance to eligible families for the marriage of their daughters. Dr Baljit Kaur said the initiative is aimed at supporting economically weaker and underprivileged families and helping them meet marriage-related expenses with greater financial security and dignity.
Giving details of the disbursements, the minister said that during 2025-26, the government released ₹215.24 crore to 42,203 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries for their daughters’ marriages. Another 20,212 beneficiaries belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Backward Classes received ₹103.08 crore during the year.
During the ongoing 2026-27 financial year, ₹44.75 crore has so far been released to 8,774 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, while 4,010 beneficiaries from the EWS and Backward Classes have received ₹20.45 crore.
Dr Baljit Kaur said two daughters from the same family are eligible to receive assistance under the scheme, allowing more eligible families to benefit from the government programme.
To qualify, the beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a family living below the poverty line, and have an annual family income from all sources of not more than ₹32,790, as per the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
The minister said the assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency in the disbursement process.
Dr Baljit Kaur also directed district and departmental officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out of the scheme. Officials have been instructed to dispose of eligible applications promptly and ensure that deserving families receive the financial assistance before their daughters’ marriages without unnecessary delay.
She said the Punjab Government was continuing its efforts to support economically weaker and socially disadvantaged sections through welfare schemes and promote inclusive development across the state.