Punjab Minister Baljit Kaur Announces Rs 34 Crore Aid for Girls’ Marriages Under Ashirwad Scheme

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 24: Baljit Kaur, Punjab Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, announced that Rs 34 crore has been released for the Ashirwad Scheme. This scheme benefits girls from SC, OBC, and economically weaker sections in seven districts of Punjab, providing Rs 51,000 for their marriages.

Addressing a press conference, Kaur stated, “About Rs 34 crore has been released to seven districts of Punjab for girls belonging to SC and other categories. Orders have been issued to ensure that this amount reaches all the girls by June 30.” The districts include Firozpur, Patiala, Barnala, and Gurdaspur.

The Ashirwad Scheme, originally named Shagun Scheme, started in 1997 with a monetary aid of Rs 5100. Over the years, the aid amount has increased, reaching Rs 51,000 in 2021. The scheme was renamed Ashirwad in 2004, and the Ashirwad Portal was launched in 2022 to ensure transparency.

Currently, the scheme provides financial aid to SC/Christian girls, Backward Classes, Economically weaker sections girls, daughters of widows of any caste at the time of their marriage, and SC widows/divorcees at the time of their re-marriage. The girl should be 18 years old or above, and the annual family income should not exceed Rs 32,790.