Chandigarh, November 13: Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Ashirwad Scheme is a significant welfare initiative for economically weaker families, under which eligible beneficiaries are provided financial assistance for the marriage of their daughters. She said that the foremost priority of the government is to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach only the eligible beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has provided financial assistance of over ₹1,164 crore to 2.86 lakh beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme during its tenure in a transparent manner.
The Minister said that any kind of irregularity, corruption or misuse of government funds in welfare schemes will not be tolerated under any circumstances. She said that the government took serious note of the 62 alleged cases of irregularities reported in Amritsar district, involving an amount of around ₹31.62 lakh. She added that a fair and transparent inquiry was conducted in these cases and departmental action has already been taken against the officials/employees found responsible after completion of the inquiry.
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Dr. Baljit Kaur said that to further strengthen transparency and accountability, the Department has been directed to conduct verification of the financial assistance released under the Ashirwad Scheme across all districts of the state. She said that the objective of this exercise is to ensure that every rupee released by the government reaches the right and eligible beneficiary and that government funds are utilised with complete transparency.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Public money is meant for public welfare, and ensuring the proper utilisation of every single penny of government funds is the responsibility of the government. Strictest action will be taken against anyone involved in any irregularity in welfare schemes.”