Punjab includes Shagun Scheme under RTS- Ranike

Chandigarh, March 4, 2015: The Punjab Government today took a revolutionary step by empowering schedule class and backward class population of state by including benefits being available to them under Right to Service Act, making officers accountable to ensure time bound release of the benefits. Erring officials are liable for punishment under the act including deduction of fine from their own salary. 

The Punjab Government has brought Shagun Scheme under the ambit of the Punjab Right to Service (RTS) Act, 2011. Term loan to SCs and BCs also inducted under the RTS and executive director has been appointed as designated officer.   A Notification regarding this has been issued by Department of Governance Reforms.  It may be added that Shagun Scheme is the flagship scheme of SAD-BJP Government that was introduced by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to give a Shagun of Rs. 15000 to the girl from weaker section on their marriage. During the year 2012-13 Rs. 124.30 cr. disbursed to 82867 beneficiaries and till November 30, 2014 Rs. 180.47cr. had been given to 120314 beneficiaries.  

Congratulating Chief Minister for adding other mile stone by this historic initiative the Welfare Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said that to provide hassle-free service to the public in a stipulated time, Shagun Scheme has been included in RTS and District Welfare Officers nominated as designated officers. He said that given time limit under the RTS for sanction of case is within 45 days after submission of the required papers in all respect and for disbursement of financial assistance the time limit is within 30 days subject to the available of funds. 

He said that to get financial aid under Shagun Scheme bride should not be less than 18 years of age. Annual income of the family of beneficiary should be Rs 32790. "Parents of bride should be from schedule caste, Christian community, backward classes, economic weaker section and permanent residents of Punjab" he added. Ranike further said that Rs 15000 financial help is given to maximum two girls of the family under Shagun Scheme. 

The Welfare Minister said that term loan to SCs and BCs also inducted under the RTS and executive director has been appointed as designated officer.