Financial assistance of Rs 25596.39 lakh Under Ashirwad Scheme will be released soon to 50189 beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Mann Government is committed to the welfare of the all sections of the Societies

Implementation of Ashirwad Scheme portal will bring transparency in the system

Chandigarh, 16 February

          A financial assistance of Rs. 25596.39 lakh will be released soon for a total of 50189 beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections from March 2022 to January 2023. This was expressed today here by  Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

          Giving more information, Cabinet Minister said that under the Ashirwad scheme in the state of Punjab, 21662 beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes, 13385 beneficiaries of Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections, a total of 35047 beneficiaries were pending applications from March 2022. Whose total liability was Rs. 17849.37 lakh. A total of 35047 beneficiaries have been given benefits of Rs 17849.37 lakh till February 2022 by the present Government. From March 2022 to January 2023, financial assistance of Rs. 17331.33 lakhs for 33983 beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes and Rs. 8265.06 lakhs for 16206 beneficiaries of Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections for a total of 50189 beneficiaries is being given soon.

          The minister said that the beneficiary of the Ashirwad scheme can apply online to get financial benefits from home. Ashirwad Scheme portal was launched by Punjab Government on 15 November 2022. Notably, this portal will ensure a contactless financial assistance process without being present.  Ashirwad Scheme portal will ensure transparency and speed in the system. Beneficiaries can apply both offline/online mode till 31st March 2023. The complete process of receiving online applications will be started from April 2023.

          She said that under this scheme, will given Rs 51000/- as Financial assistance to girls from Scheduled Castes/Christian communities, widowed girls of any caste, girls from backward classes and economically backward families at the time of marriage and Scheduled Caste widows/divorced women at the time of their remarriage.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur said that this financial assistance is given to two girls of a family who are residents of Punjab state and whose annual income should not exceed Rs.32,790/-. Applicants can apply for financial assistance before marriage or up to 30 days after the date of marriage.