The Ashirwad scheme is a financial assistance initiative introduced by the Punjab government to support families from economically disadvantaged sections. The scheme is designed to help alleviate the financial burden of planning a daughter’s wedding, ensuring that families can celebrate this important milestone without undue financial stress. It also serves as an incentive to encourage families to invest in the welfare of their daughters.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: Eligible families receive a grant of Rs. 21,000/- to help with wedding expenses.
- Empowerment: Supports families by reducing the financial burden associated with planning a daughter’s wedding.
- Targeted Aid: Focuses on Scheduled Castes/Christian girls, Backward Classes, economically weaker sections, daughters of widows, and Scheduled Castes widows/divorcees, ensuring assistance reaches those most in need.
- Family Limit: The assistance is provided for up to two girls per family.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Ashirwad scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Age: The girl should be 18 years old or above.
- Income: The total annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed Rs. 32,790/-.
- Residency: Parents or guardians of the girl must be domiciled in Punjab.
- Timing of Application: Applications can be submitted either before the fixed date of marriage or within 30 days after the marriage.
- Beneficiary Limit: The benefit is limited to two girls per family.
- Target Groups: The scheme is available for Scheduled Castes/Christian girls, Backward Classes/Castes, economically weaker sections, daughters of widows (of any caste) at the time of their marriage, and Scheduled Castes widows/divorcees at the time of their re-marriage.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- Visit the Official Portal:
Access the official web portal for the Ashirwad scheme. - Register:
Click on “Applicant Registration” to open the registration form. - Fill in Details:
Complete the registration form by providing the required details. - Submit:
After entering your information, submit the form online.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card: Identity proof of the applicant.
- Proof of Date of Birth: Document verifying the applicant’s DOB.
- Income Certificate: Proof showing the annual income of the family.
- Cast Certificate: As applicable for eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Ashirwad scheme?
A1: It is a financial assistance program designed to help economically disadvantaged families in Punjab manage the costs associated with planning a daughter’s wedding.
Q2: What are the benefits under the scheme?
A2: The scheme provides a grant of Rs. 21,000/- to eligible applicants.
Q3: Who can avail the benefits?
A3: The benefits are available to Scheduled Castes/Christian girls, Backward Classes, economically weaker sections, daughters of widows, and Scheduled Castes widows/divorcees in Punjab.
Q4: What is the financial eligibility criteria?
A4: The combined annual income of the family should not exceed Rs. 32,790/-.
Q5: May other state residents apply for the scheme?
A5: No, only domiciled residents of Punjab are eligible.
Q6: How do I apply for the scheme?
A6: Applications can be submitted online via the official portal.
Q7: What documents are required?
A7: You need to provide an Aadhaar Card, proof of date of birth, income certificate, and caste certificate.
Q8: May the male/groom also apply for the scheme?
A8: The scheme is intended for the parents/guardians of the girl, not the groom.
Q9: What is the minimum age for eligibility?
A9: The girl must be 18 years or older.
Q10: How many girls per family can receive the benefit?
A10: The benefit is limited to two girls per family.
Q11: What is the official URL to apply?
A11: Applicants should visit the official web portal provided on the government’s website for the Ashirwad scheme.