Ashirwad Scheme: This govt scheme offers Rs 51,000 to girls at 18 years of age, know more about this daughter-centric programme

Ashirwad Scheme: There are many girl child special schemes run by central and state governments in India including Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Balika Samridhi Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Ladli Scheme, CBSE Udaan Scheme, and Nanda Devi Kanya Scheme among others. Out of such schemes, one special scheme is run by the Punjab government called the 'Ashirwad Scheme'. Under this scheme, the Punjab government provides financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of a girl from a low-income family.

Ashirwad Scheme: Who can take the benefit?

People who come under the SC, OBC, and EWS categories, can take benefit of this scheme. Besides this, any widow can take advantage of this scheme for her daughter's marriage. Divorcees and widows who want to remarry, can also apply for this scheme.

Ashirwad Scheme: Eligibility

To avail the benefits of this scheme, one will have to fulfill below criteria:

• The applicant must be a permanent citizen of Punjab. 
• Apart from this, the applicant should belong to Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, and other economically weaker families. 
• The age of the girl should be at least 18 years. 
• The annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed Rs 32,790. 

Ashirwad Scheme: Documents required

• Aadhaar card
• Residential proof such as Voter ID cards, utility bills etc.
• Birth certificate
• Caste and income certificates
• BPL or Below Poverty Line card
• Details of bank account

After fulfilling all these criteria, you can register by visiting the official website https://ashirwad.punjab.gov.in/ and get more details about it.

Ashirwad Scheme: History

Started in 1997 by the government of Punjab under the name 'Shagun Scheme', it was later renamed as 'Ashirwad Scheme'. In 1997, the scheme was started with Rs 51,000, then in 2004, the amount increased by Rs 10,000 to Rs 61,000. Later in, 2006, the amount was reduced to Rs 15,000, then Rs 21,000 in 2007 and 51,000 in 2021.