Chandigarh, October 18 — For thousands of poor and working-class families in Punjab, the joy of marrying off a daughter often comes with financial strain. Bringing much-needed relief, the Bhagwant Mann-led government has released ₹29.33 crore under its flagship Aashirwad Scheme, benefiting 5,751 daughters across the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity for every family, regardless of income. “Our real blessing lies in empowering the weaker sections so that no father has to borrow or plead to celebrate his daughter’s wedding,” Mann said.
Punjab’s Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the aid has been transferred directly into beneficiaries’ accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to eliminate middlemen and delays. “This is not just a statistic — these are 5,751 families whose burden has been lifted,” she said, adding that pending applications from previous years were also cleared under this release.
Dr. Kaur informed that the assistance covers beneficiaries from 17 districts including Barnala, Bathinda, Firozpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Patiala, Rupnagar, and others. Among them, 1,087 beneficiaries are from Jalandhar, 839 from Ludhiana, and 885 from Moga.
Under the Aashirwad Scheme, daughters from Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, and economically weaker families with annual income below ₹32,790 are eligible for ₹51,000 in marriage assistance. Each family can receive support for up to two daughters.
“The Mann government has brought transparency and sensitivity to the scheme. Earlier, applications would remain stuck for years. Now, funds reach directly into mothers’ accounts — a moment that brings both relief and gratitude,” Dr. Kaur said.
Previously known as the Shagun Scheme, the program was renamed Aashirwad to represent a more humane and compassionate approach to welfare. Officials said the latest release shows the government’s focus on inclusive growth and social equity.
“This initiative is more than a financial measure — it’s a message that every daughter, regardless of her family’s background, deserves a dignified beginning to her new life,” a department spokesperson said.
With ₹29.33 crore now transferred to 5,751 families across Punjab, the Mann government has once again demonstrated that social welfare is not confined to paperwork but reflected in the smiles and relief of ordinary people.
