Introduction to the Dhi Rani Programme
The Punjab government launched the Dhi Rani Programme as a major social welfare initiative to support underprivileged families during marriage ceremonies. The Programme provides financial assistance to help reduce the economic burden on families and promote dignity and social inclusion.
For the financial year 2025–26, the Punjab government has decided to significantly expand the Programme. The government has revised the scope, budget, and cash grant to expand coverage and provide stronger financial support to deserving beneficiaries.
- Social welfare focused on marriage assistance
- Designed for low-income families across Punjab
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Expansion of the Dhi Rani Programme Beneficiaries
The Punjab government has approved an increase in the number of beneficiaries under the Dhi Rani Programme from 3,000 to 5,000. This expansion reflects the growing demand for the Programme and the government’s commitment to supporting more families across the province. By extending coverage, the Programme will now benefit families in all districts of Punjab, ensuring equal access and broader social impact.
- Beneficiaries increased to 5,000
- Coverage extended across Punjab
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| Programme Scope | Previous | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| District Coverage | Limited | 36 Districts |
Increase in Cash Grant Amount
A major highlight of the revised this Programme is the increase in cash grant from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per marriage. The enhanced grant aims to reduce financial stress and discourage borrowing for marriage-related costs. This step strengthens the program’s role as meaningful financial relief rather than symbolic support.
| Key Detail | Dhi Rani Programme Summary |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Dhi Rani Programme |
| Launched By | Punjab Government |
| Purpose | Financial support for marriage of deserving families |
| Beneficiaries (Earlier) | 3,000 |
| Beneficiaries (Updated) | 5,000 |
| Cash Grant (Earlier) | Rs 1 lakh |
| Cash Grant (Updated) | Rs 2 lakh |
| Total Budget | Rs 1.7 billion |
| Financial Year | 2025–26 |
| District Coverage | 36 districts of Punjab |
| Advertising Authority | DGPR |
| Branding Cost | Rs 50 million |
| Vendor Payments | Rs 660 million (cleared in current FY) |
| BOP Cards Expense | Rs 8 million |
| Additional Funds Request | Rs 223 million (rejected) |
| Budget Status | Programme to be completed within the approved budget |
| Approval Authority | Chief Minister Punjab & Project Steering Committee |
| Payment Method | BOP cards for beneficiaries |
- Cash grant doubled to Rs 2 lakh
- Better financial security for families
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Budget Allocation and Financial Planning
The Punjab Finance Department has allocated Rs 1.7 billion for the Dhi Rani Programme in the financial year 2025–26. Despite requests for additional funds, the Finance Department rejected a proposal for an extra Rs 223 million.
- Total approved budget: Rs 1.7 billion
- No additional funding approved
| Budget Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Allocation | Rs 1.7 billion |
| Additional Funds Request | Rejected |
| Financial Year | 2025–26 |
Advertising, Payments, and Programme Execution
The authorities could not include vendor payments worth Rs 660 million in the budget and will clear them in the current financial year. These outstanding bills mainly relate to media campaigns conducted earlier under the Programme.
The Finance Department has instructed DGPR to handle all future advertising. It has allocated Rs 50 million for branding Dhi Rani ceremonies in 36 districts and Rs 8 million for BOP cards for 5,000 marriages during 2025 and 2026.
- DGPR to manage advertising
- Branding and digital payments included
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Conclusion
The expanded Dhi Rani Programme represents a strong commitment by the Punjab government to social welfare and financial inclusion. With structured funding and province-wide implementation, the Dhi Rani Programme continues to play a vital role in supporting deserving families while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility.
FAQs
What is the Dhi Rani Programme?
It is a Punjab government welfare initiative providing financial assistance for marriage ceremonies of deserving families.
How many beneficiaries are covered under the updated Dhi Rani Programme?
The Programme now covers 5,000 beneficiaries across Punjab.
What is the new cash grant amount under the Programme?
The cash grant has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per marriage.
What is the total budget allocated for the Dhi Rani Programme 2025–26?
The Punjab government has allocated Rs 1.7 billion for the Programme.
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