Fulfillinganother key pre-poll promise of the Captain Amarinder Singh led government, thePunjab Cabinet on Wednesday approved hike in financial assistance under theAshirwad Scheme from Rs.21,000 to Rs.51,000 per beneficiary, with directions toclear all payment backlog under the scheme.
Paymenttill December 2020 have already been cleared under the scheme, the cabinet wasinformed.
The latest increase comes into effect from July 1, 2021, an official spokesperson saidafter a virtual meeting of the Council of Ministers. This is the second hike inthe scheme amount by the present government, which had earlier enhanced theassistance from Rs.15,000 to Rs.21,000 soon after it took over in 2017, whilerenaming the Shagun scheme as Ashirward scheme. At that time, the state cabinethad also decided to make payment direct into the bank accounts of thebeneficiaries through the online banking management system, under the schemeimplemented by the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities department.
TheChief Minister clarified that the scheme was also applicable to Muslims girlsof 18 years or above age, along with Scheduled Caste, Christian, BackwardClass/Caste, Economically Weaker Section families, and daughters of widows ofany caste. Scheduled Caste widows/divorcees are also entitled to the benefit atthe time of their re-marriage.
Muslimgirls were in the list even in 2006, and if they have been inadvertently leftout, they should be added, he directed the Department.
Thelatest increase will benefit 60,000 beneficiaries, putting an addition burden of 180 crore on the stateexchequer, said the spokesperson. Social Welfare Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsotcongratulated the Chief Minister for the various measures taken for theempowerment of the vulnerable sections of the society.
Toavail the benefit, the annual income of the family from all sources should notexceed Rs. 32790. The parents/guardians of the girl should be domiciled inPunjab and the financial assistance under this scheme is limited to two girlsonly from one family.
Theapplicant is required to submit application for getting financial assistance inthe prescribed proforma before the date of marriage or 30 days after the of themarriage of the girl.
APPROVESRESTRUCTURING OF LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
Ina bid to bring greater efficiency in the functioning of the LanguagesDepartment, the Punjab Cabinet also approved its restructuring plan forcreation of 13 new posts in lieu of 61 non-essential surrendered posts thusreducing burden on the state exchequer.
TheCabinet authorised the Chief Minister toapprove the notifications regarding amendment in service rules, to be preparedin consultation with the Personnel department and Punjab Public ServiceCommission.
Therestructuring proposal, prepared by the Languages department in line with theinstructions of Finance Department, has been approved the Cabinet as per therecommendations of the Officer's Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.