DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Punjab government has taken a major initiative by launching the Ashirwad scheme portal. Launching the portal at Punjab Bhavan, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab government should work swiftly to ensure provision of all latest online services related to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections. She said that this portal is NIC Punjab Deputy Director (General) and SI Mr. Vivek Verma has been Prepared with the support of team and with this the eligible beneficiaries will be able to apply online sitting at home to get financial assistance under the Asirwad scheme. The launch of the Asirwad Scheme portal will ensure transparency and speed in the system. She further said that more such initiatives will be launched in the near future. Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the beneficiaries can apply online and offline till 31 December 2022 to get the benefit of this scheme. She said that after giving training to the concerned, after January 1, 2023, the beneficiaries will be able to apply online only to take advantage of the Ashirwad scheme. Notably, this portal will ensure a contactless financial assistance process without being present. It will also facilitate communication with the concerned departments, the application manager will be able to contact the applicant through direct email or in person or call to clear the objections or form filling. (editor@dailyworld.in)