Financial Aid for Daughters’ Marriages: Punjab Disburses ₹14.16 Crore Under Ashirwad Scheme

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has released financial assistance worth ₹14.16 crore to 2,777 eligible beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial year 2025–26. The information was shared by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur. Dr Baljit Kaur stated that the state government is committed to supporting economically weaker families and backward sections of society so that they can conduct their daughters’ marriages with dignity and respect. She said that during the current financial year, applications received through the Ashirwad Portal from 15 districts—including Sri Amritsar Sahib, Barnala, Faridkot, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla and Tarn Taran—were reviewed, after which financial assistance was provided to 2,777 eligible beneficiaries. Providing district-wise details, the minister said that 351 beneficiaries in Sri Amritsar Sahib, 37 in Barnala, 59 in Faridkot, 46 in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 523 in Gurdaspur, 354 in Hoshiarpur and 24 in Jalandhar received assistance under the scheme. Similarly, 62 beneficiaries in Ludhiana, 42 in Moga, 107 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 519 in Patiala, 79 in SAS Nagar, 164 in Sangrur, 155 in Malerkotla and 255 in Tarn Taran were also provided financial support. Dr Baljit Kaur explained that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of daughters belonging to eligible families. This support helps families celebrate the important occasion with dignity and happiness. She added that the scheme has emerged as significant support for economically weaker and backward families, enabling them to conduct their daughters’ marriages with respect and self-esteem. The minister also directed department officials to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach eligible beneficiaries on time. She emphasized that the application process through the Ashirwad Portal should continue in a transparent and smooth manner through service centres so that eligible families can access the scheme without difficulty. Dr Baljit Kaur further stated that to avail the benefits, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab and belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other economically weaker sections. The family’s annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹32,790, and a maximum of two daughters from one eligible family can receive benefits under the scheme. She also informed that the financial assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely payment. Dr Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to the welfare and development of all sections of society and is implementing various welfare schemes to improve the living standards of economically weaker and backward communities.