Context:

• The Ashirwad Scheme, initiated by the state government of Punjab aims to provide financial support for the marriages of girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Key Points:

• This scheme is particularly focused on beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Recently, an allocation of ?9.51 crore was made to support 1,867 beneficiaries, highlighting the government's commitment to social welfare and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Objectives of the Ashirwad scheme

The primary objective of the Ashirwad Scheme is to alleviate the financial burden associated with marriage, which can be particularly challenging for low-income families. The scheme seeks to:

• Support marriage expenses: Provide financial assistance to families so they can afford marriage ceremonies without significant economic strain.
• Promote gender equality: Encourage families to raise daughters by reducing the financial barriers to their marriage.
• Empower marginalized communities: Focus on SC, BC, and EWS families, ensuring that those who are economically disadvantaged receive necessary support.

Financial assistance

Under the Ashirwad Scheme, eligible families receive a monetary benefit that varies depending on specific criteria:

• Beneficiaries can receive between ?15,000 and ?51,000 for marriage expenses, depending on their category and circumstances.
• Funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries at the time of marriage, ensuring timely access to financial support.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Ashirwad Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
• Caste category: Must belong to SC, BC, or EWS categories.
• Age requirement: The girl must be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage.
• Income limit: The family's annual income should not exceed ?32,790 from all sources.
• Family limit: Each household can apply for assistance for a maximum of two eligible daughters.