Chandigarh- Punjab Government continues to take people-centric decisions for the welfare of the poor, backward, and marginalized communities. In this direction, a significant step has been taken to make the Ashirwad Scheme more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly, said Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities.
Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur officially inaugurated the Ashirwad Online Portal in conjunction with Sewa Kendras on Wednesday at Punjab Bhawan. She informed that from now on, applications under the Ashirwad Scheme can only be submitted through Sewa Kendras, making the scheme more effective and accountable.
The Minister emphasized that the Mann Government is committed to ensuring that every rupee of public welfare schemes reaches the rightful beneficiaries with full honesty and transparency. Receiving applications through Sewa Kendras will curb corruption, middlemen exploitation, and misuse, while strengthening public trust in government systems. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the dignity of daughters, social security, and transparent governance.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Ashirwad Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Punjab Government. Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹51, 000 is provided at the time of marriage to daughters of Scheduled Castes, Christian community, backward classes, and economically weaker sections, as well as daughters of widows from all communities and widows/divorced women from Scheduled Castes.
Earlier, beneficiaries had to submit applications along with documents at departmental Tehsil offices, causing delays and technical challenges. Even after making the scheme online, complaints were received regarding private cyber cafes charging excessive fees and misusing the system.
Considering all these issues, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has now linked the Ashirwad Portal with Sewa Kendras. Beneficiaries can now avail the scheme’s benefits from their nearest Sewa Kendra at minimal cost, without any middlemen, in a simple and fully transparent manner.
On this occasion, Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Director of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, was present.