The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all societal sections, particularly focusing on the backward classes and economically weaker sections. As part of this initiative, Rs 14.01 crore has been released to 2,748 beneficiaries through the Ashirwad scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24. This allocation is part of the budget provision for 2024-25.
Beneficiaries and Districts Covered
Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, provided details of the beneficiaries from various districts in Punjab. The financial assistance has been extended to beneficiaries from Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Sangrur, and Malerkotla. The specific numbers include:
- 224 beneficiaries from Amritsar
- 38 from Fatehgarh Sahib
- 111 from Fazilka
- 182 from Gurdaspur
- 181 from Hoshiarpur
- 24 from Kapurthala
- 760 from Ludhiana
- 18 from Moga
- 33 from Sri Muktsar Sahib
- 883 from Patiala
- 37 from Pathankot
- 155 from Sangrur
- 102 from Malerkotla
also read : Punjab Government Pledges Urban-Level Amenities in Rural Areas
Eligibility and Direct Assistance
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that eligibility for the Ashirwad scheme requires applicants to be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to families below the poverty line, and be members of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker families with an annual family income below Rs. 32,790. The scheme also supports up to two daughters from such families.
The Punjab Government continues its dedicated efforts to uplift the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections. Financial assistance is deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries to ensure transparency and ease of access.
