Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga today distributed cheques among the beneficiaries of newly launched State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS).The Minister distributed cheques worth Rs 40,000 each to 9 beneficiaries of SMAS including cash assistance of Rs 25,000 and the cost of five grams of gold.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the successful launch of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme in the district which will immensely help curbing social evil of female feticide. He said that 36 beneficiaries of the district have received the cheques under SMAS and all deserving families will get the benefit of the scheme.Ganga said that in a short span, the Government has introduced many schemes for the upliftment of the weaker section of the society such as Aasra, Ladli Beti, and State marriage Assistance Scheme for such marriageable girls who are in the survey list already conducted by the ICDS so that the poor parents do not feel the burden of girl child.Stressing on people to avail the benefits of various welfare and developmental schemes, the Minister said that the recently announced initiative of Union Government of providing free LPG Gas Cylinders to 5 crore female member of BPL families of the country under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a dream envisaged by the Prime Minister and it will not just endow women but will also assist in cutting short the issue of the air pollution.Among others, District Social Welfare Officer Mushtaq Ahmed, concerned officers and beneficiaries were present on the occasion.