In a significant move towards the empowerment of the underprivileged, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, is set on a transformational journey for the state’s development. Recognizing that real progress is impossible without empowering the poor, the Punjab government is playing an active role in uplifting marginal communities.

Under the Ashirwad Scheme, orchestrated by the Mann-led government, a financial aid of ₹9.51 crore is being disbursed to 1,867 beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections. This payout underscores the commitment of the government towards societal equity and inclusion.

Financial Aid: A Step Towards Economic Prosperity

Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, revealed plans about this substantial support initiative. “The Punjab government is resolute in working for the welfare of the Backward Classes and economically weaker sections,” she noted. As part of the Ashirwad Scheme, ₹6.78 crore has been allocated for 1,331 beneficiaries belonging to these sections whose pending requests from 2023-24 were received on the Ashirwad portal during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

This robust coverage includes beneficiaries from districts such as Barnala, Faridkot, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Ropar, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar, Sangrur, and Malerkotla. Each sum aims to translate dreams of financial stability and social dignity into reality.

Driving Welfare Among Scheduled Castes

Successfully touching lives, the Punjab government continues its stronghold on the mission to empower Scheduled Castes. Under Ashirwad Scheme, 536 beneficiaries from these communities had a disbursement of ₹2.73 crore specifically allocated to them.

This financial outreach has been designed to attend to applications pending from the 2023-24 fiscal year, carried forward to 2024-25, thereby ensuring no eligible soul is left behind on their path to upliftment. Beneficiaries from Ropar, Bathinda, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar received support from these funds.

The meticulous schematic execution reflects the government’s intention – to drive social welfare with determination and compassion, reaching the grassroots where real change is engrained.

Who Can Benefit?

Eligibility for this scheme mandates applicants be permanent residents of Punjab and hail from families below the poverty line, falling under Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or economically weaker sections. Additionally, the combined annual family income must not exceed ₹32,790. If these criteria are met, up to two daughters per family are eligible to reap the benefits of this scheme.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized, “The financial aid is directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.” Reassuring transparency and streamlined efficiency, this method serves as a bridge to fortify trust and enhance social equity.

Beyond Just Financial Support

Beyond allocating money, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration is constructing an inclusive ecosystem – bridging the gap between dreams unfulfilled and opportunities enabled. Where hopes are elevated alongside standard of living, and an empowered community is birthed from diligent governance and fair legislation.

This mindset of hope and relentless work to uplift every socio-economic layer singles out Punjab’s efforts in the broader landscape of social welfare, adding substance to government policies beyond ink and paper. As the scheme unfolds, its ripple effect on lives forges a brighter tomorrow for Punjab.

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