Chandigarh, October 24: The Punjab government has released Rs 65.20 crore in financial assistance to 12,784 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2026-27, Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Baljit Kaur said on Saturday.

Under the scheme, eligible families receive Rs 51,000 for the marriage of a daughter. Up to two daughters from a family can receive the benefit, the minister said.

Of the beneficiaries who have received assistance, 8,774 belong to the Scheduled Caste category and have received Rs 44.75 crore. Another 4,010 beneficiaries from Economically Weaker Sections and Backward Classes have received Rs 20.45 crore.

The minister said applications from an additional 9,183 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries and 4,342 beneficiaries from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections were being processed for financial assistance.

The assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, she said.

Baljit Kaur directed district and departmental officials to expedite the verification and disposal of applications to ensure that all eligible families receive the assistance without unnecessary delays.

She said the scheme aims to provide financial support to families from disadvantaged sections and help reduce the financial burden associated with their daughters' marriages.