Ludhiana, Jan. 14 -- More than 3,500 women from economically weaker sections in Ludhiana have been waiting for financial assistance under the Ashirwad Scheme. The Rs.51,000 aid for daughters' marriages remains unpaid since 2024, applicants say.

Under the scheme, the one-time assistance is given for the marriage of daughters belonging to scheduled castes, backward classes, minority communities and widow or divorced families. The assistance is limited to two daughters per family. People can apply for it before marriage or within 90 days after the wedding.

According to beneficiaries, many families had completed the formalities before marriage, while others applied within the stipulated period after the wedding. Despite this, the amount has...