Punjab Cabinet paves way for hike in Ashirwad scheme to Rs 51,000

Punjab Economy

24-Apr-21

Download PDF

Fulfilling another key pre-poll promise of the Capt Amarinder Singh-led government, the Punjab Cabinet has approved hike in financial assistance under the Ashirwad Scheme from Rs 21,000 to Rs 51,000 per beneficiary, with directions to clear all payment backlog under the scheme.
Payment till December 2020 has already been cleared under the scheme, the Cabinet was informed.
The latest increase comes into effect from July 1, 2021.
This is the second hike in the scheme amount by the present government, which had earlier enhanced the assistance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 21,000 soon after it took over in 2017, while renaming the Shagun scheme as Ashirward scheme.
At that time, the state Cabinet had also decided to make payment direct into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the online banking management system, under the scheme implemented by the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities department.
The chief minister clarified that the scheme was also applicable to Muslim girls of 18 years or above age, along with Scheduled Caste, Christian, Backward Class/Caste, Economically Weaker Section families, and daughters of widows of any caste. Scheduled Caste widows/divorcees are also entitled to the benefit at the time of their re-marriage.
The latest increase will benefit 60,000 beneficiaries, putting an addition burden of 180 crore on the state exchequer.
Social Welfare Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot congratulated the chief minister for the various measures taken for the empowerment of the vulnerable sections of the society.
To avail the benefit, the annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed Rs 32,790. The parents/guardians of the girl should be domiciled in Punjab and the financial assistance under this scheme is limited to two girls only from one family.
The applicant is required to submit application for getting financial assistance in the prescribed proforma before the date of marriage or 30 days after the marriage of the girl.