Ashirwad Scheme Now Only Through Service Centres/DC Ashika Jain

 Ashirwad Scheme Now Only Through Service Centres/DC Ashika Jain

Hoshiarpur/Feb 4/Daljeet Ajnoha 

Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain announced that to make Punjab government's Ashirwad Scheme simpler, more transparent, and people-friendly, it will now be implemented exclusively through service centres. She noted that the scheme was previously online, causing technical and practical difficulties for many applicants. Addressing these issues, the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, has taken this key decision.The Deputy Commissioner informed that applications under the Ashirwad Scheme will henceforth be accepted only at service centres, ensuring eligible beneficiaries can access benefits easily, accessibly, and transparently.District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer Harpal Singh Gill explained that the scheme provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 to daughters of Scheduled Castes, Christian community, Backward Classes, economically weaker sections, widows from other castes, Scheduled Caste widows, and divorced women at the time of their remarriage. A maximum of two daughters per family are eligible for the benefit.He added that previously, those who hadn't applied online before marriage had 30 days post-marriage to apply. The Punjab government has now extended this to 60 days, enabling more eligible beneficiaries to avail the scheme.The Deputy Commissioner stated that linking the scheme to service centres will allow citizens to apply at their nearest centre with minimal cost, simple procedures, and complete transparency.