Punjab may extend time limit for filing Shagun applications

Punjab Government is considering a three-month extension to the time limit for filing applications for the Shagun Scheme, which provides monetary help to poor and backward class girls at the time of marriage.
Beneficiaries may be given three months, that is one month before the date of marriage and two months after solemnisation of marriage, for filing the applications for the Shagun scheme, an official release said today.
This was discussed in a meeting of Deputy Commissioners chaired by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal here, the release said.
The DCs told Badal that there were thousands of pending cases, most of them rejected for filing the applications late as there was only one month time to file the application.

The Deputy CM said that the Scheme should be smooth and hassle free for the beneficiaries and the time limit could be increased in such cases.
Badal asked the Secretary (Welfare) to come out with necessary changes in the scheme besides the provision of sufficient time for submission of applications.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary informed Badal about the disbursement of compensation to farmers in areas of Majha and Malwa region, areas which witnessed floods during monsoon this year.
Badal has directed all the Deputy Commissioners to disburse the balance amount to remaining farmers as compensation for the damage of crops and livestock.

He asked the DCs to complete the process within a week and submit reports to the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Navreet Singh Kang.
Reviewing the status of delivery of scholarships and pensions to beneficiaries, Badal also directed the officials to expedite the disbursement of scholarships and pensions of all types.