Punjab Expands Dhi Rani Program
Punjab Expands Dhi Rani Program: The Punjab government has announced a major expansion of the Dhi Rani Program, increasing its coverage from 3,000 to 5,000 marriages and raising the cash grant from 1 lakh to 2 lakh rupees. This initiative aims to support newlywed couples, providing financial assistance to help them start their married life with stability. According to City42.tv, the Finance Department of Punjab has allocated 1.7 billion rupees for the program in the financial year 2025-26, with approval also granted by the Project Steering Committee.
This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to supporting social welfare programs that directly benefit citizens. By increasing both the coverage and the cash grant, the program seeks to address the financial challenges faced by couples and encourage social stability through targeted assistance.
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Key Features Of The Expanded Dhi Rani Program
The Dhi Rani Program is designed to provide financial aid to newly married couples, ensuring that they receive support during the early stages of their marital life. With the recent expansion, the number of beneficiaries has significantly increased, and the cash grant has been doubled to provide greater financial relief.
- Coverage increased from 3,000 to 5,000 marriages.
- Cash grant raised from 1 lakh to 2 lakh rupees per couple.
- Program aims to promote social welfare and financial stability.
- Targets newlywed couples across Punjab.
- Encourages equitable distribution of resources among beneficiaries.
This structured expansion ensures that more families benefit from the initiative and that the allocated funds have a meaningful impact on their lives.
Financial Allocation And Budget Details
The Finance Department of Punjab has allocated 1.7 billion rupees for the Dhi Rani Program for the fiscal year 2025-26. This budget includes all expenses related to cash grants and operational costs of the program. Although 66 crore rupees for vendor payments could not be included in the current budget, these pending amounts will be settled during the ongoing fiscal year through media campaigns and vendor settlements.
The government has instructed the Director General Public Relations (DGPR) to manage the program’s advertising campaigns efficiently. Branding for Dhi Rani ceremonies across 36 districts of Punjab has been planned, with 5 crore rupees set aside for promotional activities. Additionally, 80 lakh rupees will be spent on BOP cards for 5,000 marriages to facilitate smooth distribution of cash grants.
- Total budget allocated: 1.7 billion rupees
- Vendor payments included in the ongoing fiscal year
- Media campaigns for awareness and promotion
- Funds for BOP cards to ensure cash distribution
- Efficient management to reach maximum beneficiaries
This financial planning ensures proper allocation of funds and transparency in the implementation of the program.
Implementation Strategy And Monitoring
The Dhi Rani Program will be implemented through coordinated efforts between the Finance Department, Project Steering Committee, and local authorities in Punjab. The program emphasizes transparency, accountability, and timely distribution of cash grants.
Officials will oversee the registration of beneficiaries, verification of marriage documentation, and distribution of BOP cards. Additionally, media campaigns will be launched to raise awareness about the program and ensure maximum participation. The program’s expansion will also include regular monitoring and reporting to ensure that allocated funds are used effectively.
- Verification of beneficiary documentation
- Distribution of cash grants through BOP cards
- Media campaigns for awareness and engagement
- Monitoring and evaluation of program implementation
- Regular reporting to ensure transparency and accountability
Through this structured implementation, the program aims to deliver benefits efficiently to newlywed couples across Punjab.
Dhi Rani Program Benefits For Newlyweds
The program provides substantial financial assistance to newly married couples, enabling them to cover initial household expenses and reduce financial strain. By raising the grant amount to 2 lakh rupees, couples can now manage costs related to housing, household essentials, and other marital needs.
- Financial support to start married life
- Helps cover essential household expenses
- Encourages financial stability for newlyweds
- Reduces economic pressure on young couples
- Promotes social welfare and community development
The increased coverage and higher cash grant reflect the government’s commitment to uplifting families and fostering social welfare in the province.
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Budget Distribution For Dhi Rani Program
The following table provides an overview of the financial allocation and coverage of the Dhi Rani Program:
| Feature | Previous Allocation | New Allocation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of marriages covered | 3,000 | 5,000 | Increased coverage for wider benefit |
| Cash grant per couple | 1 lakh | 2 lakh | Doubled to provide more financial support |
| Budget allocation | 1.1 billion | 1.7 billion | Includes grants and operational costs |
| Branding and media campaigns | 3 crore | 5 crore | For 36 districts |
| BOP card distribution | 50 lakh | 80 lakh | To ensure smooth grant delivery |
This table summarizes the key financial aspects and changes in the Dhi Rani Program, highlighting the expansion and enhanced support.
Future Plans And Sustainability
The Punjab government plans to continue expanding social welfare programs like Dhi Rani to reach more beneficiaries. By monitoring program performance and addressing implementation challenges, authorities aim to sustain the program’s impact over the coming years.
Officials have also decided to reject the proposal for an additional 22.3 crore rupees, ensuring that the program is completed within the approved budget of 1.7 billion rupees. This reflects a commitment to financial discipline and efficient resource utilization while maintaining program effectiveness.
- Focus on long-term sustainability of the program
- Continued monitoring and evaluation of beneficiaries
- Efficient management of allocated funds
- Ensuring maximum reach without exceeding budget
- Future expansion based on program success and impact
Through careful planning and monitoring, the Dhi Rani Program is set to provide continued support to newlywed couples across Punjab.
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Conclusion
The expansion of the Dhi Rani Program, with coverage increased to 5,000 marriages and cash grants doubled to 2 lakh rupees, represents a major step in Punjab’s social welfare initiatives. This program provides tangible support to newly married couples, easing financial challenges and promoting social stability.
By carefully allocating 1.7 billion rupees, including funds for BOP cards and media campaigns, the government ensures that benefits reach the maximum number of beneficiaries. This initiative reflects a long-term commitment to improving the lives of citizens and fostering social welfare in Punjab.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marriages are now covered under the Dhi Rani Program?
The program now covers 5,000 marriages across Punjab.
What is the new cash grant amount per couple?
The cash grant has been raised from 1 lakh to 2 lakh rupees.
Which financial year does the program’s allocation cover?
The allocation is for the fiscal year 2025-26.
How will beneficiaries receive the cash grant?
Cash grants will be distributed through BOP cards to ensure smooth delivery.
What is the budget allocated for media and branding campaigns?
5 crore rupees have been allocated for media campaigns and branding in 36 districts.