In a significant step towards strengthening social security for economically vulnerable families, the Punjab Government has released financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6.33 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for 1,241 beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections during the financial year 2026-27. This was disclosed by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that applications of 1,241 eligible beneficiaries from the districts of Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Patiala, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar and Malerkotla were received through the Ashirwad Portal. To provide financial assistance to these beneficiaries, the State Government has released a total amount of Rs. 6.33 crore.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the released amount will benefit 546 beneficiaries in Amritsar, 19 in Barnala, 14 in Bathinda, 10 in Faridkot, 21 in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 129 in Jalandhar, 90 in Kapurthala and 27 in Mansa. Likewise, 39 beneficiaries in Patiala, 208 in Pathankot, 22 in SAS Nagar, 103 in SBS Nagar and 13 in Malerkotla will also receive financial assistance under the scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 for the marriage of daughters belonging to eligible low-income families. She said that the scheme has emerged as a vital support mechanism for economically weaker families by easing the financial burden associated with marriage expenses and promoting social security and dignity.
The Minister further informed 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 have an annual family income from all sources below Rs. 32,790. She added that two daughters from a family belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and other Economically Weaker Sections are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.
She further said that the financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely disbursement of funds. Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare and upliftment of every section of society.
She reiterated that the State Government is dedicated to ensuring that no deserving family is deprived of welfare benefits and that every eligible beneficiary receives timely assistance with dignity and transparency. She added that continuous efforts are being made to empower socially and economically disadvantaged sections and ensure their meaningful participation in Punjab’s growth and development.