Punjab Ashirwad Scheme — ₹51,000 Marriage Grant for BPL

What is Punjab Ashirwad Scheme?

Punjab Ashirwad Scheme (formerly Shagun Scheme) is Punjab government's marriage grant programme that provides ₹51,000 per daughter's marriage to BPL, SC/ST, and Backward Class families. The grant helps economically weaker families cover marriage expenses without falling into debt.

Key Benefits

Who is Eligible?

You ARE eligible if:

• The daughter being married is a permanent resident of Punjab
• The bride is 18 years or older on the date of marriage
• The family has a BPL ration card OR belongs to SC/ST/Backward Class
• The family's annual income is ₹32,790 or less (confirm current income limit at sswcd.punjab.gov.in)
• The family has not received the grant for more than 2 daughters

You are NOT eligible if:

• The bride is below 18 years — this is child marriage and not supported
• Family income exceeds the limit
• You have already received the grant for 2 daughters from this family

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card — bride and parents/guardian
2. BPL ration card or SC/ST/BC caste certificate
3. Marriage proof — marriage certificate or invitation card + photographs
4. Age proof of bride — confirming she is 18+ on marriage date (Aadhaar/birth certificate)
5. Domicile certificate — Punjab residency
6. Income certificate — from SDM/Naib Tehsildar (if required)
7. Bank account details — family head's Aadhaar-linked account
8. Photograph — of bride and groom

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1 — Apply After Marriage

Applications are accepted after the marriage (not before). The marriage must have already taken place.

Step 2 — Apply at CDPO Office

Visit your local Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) or District Social Welfare Officer office with all documents.

Step 3 — Fill Application Form

Get and fill the Ashirwad Scheme application form. Attach all documents.

Step 4 — Apply Online (in some districts)

Some districts accept online applications at sswcd.punjab.gov.in:

1. Login / Register
2. Find Ashirwad Scheme
3. Fill and submit

Step 5 — Verification

Officials verify:

• BPL/caste status
• Marriage actually took place
• Age of bride (≥18)
• Domicile

Step 6 — Grant Released

After verification, the ₹51,000 cheque is issued or amount deposited via DBT.

Application Deadline

Apply within 6 months of the marriage. Applications after 6 months may not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My daughter's marriage is next month. Can I apply now for Ashirwad grant?

Applications are accepted only after the marriage is solemnized. Wait until after the marriage and then apply within 6 months.

2. We are BPL but I am a widower. My wife is not alive. Can I apply for my daughter?

Yes. A single parent (widower/widow) can apply as the parent/guardian. All eligibility conditions remain the same.

3. My daughter is 17 but she is getting married. Can we still apply?

No. The minimum age of bride is 18 years — the grant is not given for marriages where the bride is below 18. This would also be a child marriage which is illegal in India.

4. Can grandparents apply if parents are not alive?

Yes. Guardians (including grandparents) can apply on behalf of the orphaned bride. Provide relationship proof.

5. We didn't apply within 6 months. Is there any chance of getting the grant?

After 6 months, the application is typically not accepted. In exceptional circumstances, the CDPO/District Social Welfare Officer may exercise discretion — approach them with a valid reason for the delay.

Official Links