Punjab Govt Disburses Rs. 19.65 Crore Under Ashirwad Scheme for Scheduled Caste Beneficiaries in 2024-25
Punjab Government Disburses Rs.19.65 Crore to 3,853 Scheduled Caste Beneficiaries Under Ashirwad Scheme
Chandigarh, March 13, 2025 – The Punjab Government has released Rs.19.65 crore as part of its commitment to improving the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) in the state, benefiting 3,853 individuals from 16 districts. This financial assistance, provided under the Ashirwad Scheme, is aimed at supporting low-income families and facilitating the marriage of girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, confirmed that the disbursed amount would directly benefit families in need, offering each eligible beneficiary Rs.51,000 to help with the marriage expenses of girls from Scheduled Castes and other economically weaker sections.
Overview of the Ashirwad Scheme
The Ashirwad Scheme is part of the Punjab Government’s broader effort to support the state’s vulnerable populations, particularly those from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections (EWS). The scheme is specifically designed to aid families below the poverty line by providing financial assistance for the marriage of girls.
Under the scheme, Rs. 51,000 is provided to families with daughters from eligible backgrounds to cover marriage-related expenses. The initiative seeks to ease the economic burden on poor families and empower women by providing them with financial support at a critical life stage.
Financial Disbursement Across 16 Districts
As part of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Punjab Government has released Rs.19.65 crore to help 3,853 beneficiaries from 16 districts. The following breakdown highlights the distribution of funds across the state:
- Barnala – 121 beneficiaries
- Bathinda – 75 beneficiaries
- Faridkot – 89 beneficiaries
- Ferozepur – 105 beneficiaries
- Sri Fatehgarh Sahib – 108 beneficiaries
- Gurdaspur – 554 beneficiaries
- Hoshiarpur – 325 beneficiaries
- Jalandhar – 220 beneficiaries
- Mansa – 142 beneficiaries
- Sri Muktsar Sahib – 235 beneficiaries
- Patiala – 198 beneficiaries
- Pathankot – 230 beneficiaries
- SAS Nagar – 147 beneficiaries
- Sangrur – 131 beneficiaries
- Malerkotla – 23 beneficiaries
- Tarn Taran – 1,150 beneficiaries
Eligibility Criteria for the Ashirwad Scheme
To qualify for financial assistance under the Ashirwad Scheme, the applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Economic Status: Families should belong to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker sections.
- Income Limit: The total annual family income from all sources should not exceed Rs.32,790.
- Family Size: Each eligible family can avail of the benefit for up to two daughters.
The Punjab Government has designed these guidelines to ensure that only families in genuine need are able to avail of the support.
Direct Transfer of Funds to Beneficiaries
In a bid to ensure transparency and efficiency, the Punjab Government has used Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) to directly transfer the funds to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This system ensures that the financial assistance reaches the intended recipients without any delays or intermediaries.
By adopting the DBT model, the government has minimized the chances of corruption and streamlined the process of distributing financial aid, making it more accessible and transparent.
Punjab Government’s Continued Commitment to Welfare
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of marginalized communities, especially those from the Scheduled Castes and other economically disadvantaged groups. She stated that the Ashirwad Scheme is a vital part of the Mann Government’s broader welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting society’s most vulnerable members.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to prioritize the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections,” Dr. Kaur said. “The Ashirwad Scheme not only empowers families but also uplifts communities by promoting gender equality and economic stability.”
The Mann Government is focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable Punjab, ensuring that all sections of society have the opportunity to thrive. This scheme is just one example of the government’s dedication to social justice and economic empowerment.
Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities
By offering financial support for girl’s marriages, the Ashirwad Scheme empowers women and helps build stronger, more financially stable communities. This initiative not only assists in the marriage process but also contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty by reducing the financial burden on families and giving young women a better chance at success.
Furthermore, this scheme serves as a model of inclusive governance, providing equal opportunities for families from all walks of life, particularly the underprivileged.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Equitable Punjab
With Rs.19.65 crore already disbursed to over 3,800 families, the Ashirwad Scheme demonstrates the Punjab Government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare. The scheme is a critical step in reducing the financial hardships faced by Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections, particularly in rural areas.
By providing financial support for girl’s marriages, the Punjab Government is not only addressing immediate financial needs but also contributing to the long-term empowerment of women and families across the state. As more families benefit from this scheme, the government’s vision of creating a more inclusive, empowered Punjab moves closer to reality.