Punjab Government Completes Registration for Dhee Rani Program

Web DeskNovember 17, 2024 12:33 PMnational
  • 4957 applications submitted for mass marriages.
  • Rs 500 million allocated for first phase.
  • Focus on empowering young women aged 18-25.
Punjab Government Completes Registration for Dhee Rani ProgramImage Credits: brecorder
Punjab's Dhee Rani Program successfully registers 4957 applications for mass marriages, aiding underprivileged families with financial support.

In a significant move to support underprivileged families in Punjab, the registration process for the marriages of poor girls has been successfully completed under the "Dhee Rani Program." This initiative aims to provide financial assistance and support to those who may struggle to afford the costs associated with marriage. The program has garnered a remarkable response, with a total of 4957 applications submitted by the deadline.

Following the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 500 million for the first phase of this program. This phase will facilitate the mass marriage of 1500 couples, while the Punjab Department of Social Welfare is set to manage an impressive 3000 mass marriages at a total cost of Rs 1 billion. This initiative not only aims to ease the financial burden on families but also promotes social welfare and community support.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal, Sohail Shaukat Butt, announced that the last date for submitting applications was Friday, 15 November. The applications were collected through the PITB portal, showcasing the government's commitment to utilizing technology for social good. The highest number of applications came from Muzaffargarh, with 307 submissions, followed closely by Lahore with 269 applications. In contrast, Gujrat had the lowest number of applications, totaling just 15.

Interestingly, about 70 percent of the applicants are women aged between 18 and 25 years, highlighting the program's focus on empowering young women in society. The remaining registered couples will be married in a second phase, which is expected to commence soon. To participate in the program, applicants are required to submit verified copies of their NADRA identity cards, along with those of their parents or guardians.

The Department of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal will provide a financial package of Rs 164,000 per couple, which will significantly alleviate the financial strain on families. Additionally, arrangements will be made to provide lunch for 20 guests attending the ceremony, ensuring that the celebrations are memorable for all involved. A contract with the Bank of Punjab is currently in the final stages, which will facilitate the purchase of gifts and the disbursement of a marriage grant of Rs 100,000.

To ensure a smooth process, the final recommendations will be made by the Assistant Commissioner of the relevant tehsil, which will then be forwarded to the Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) and the provincial portal. Furthermore, the management of the venue and related arrangements, including transportation for the couples, will be overseen by Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners.

This initiative is a commendable step towards addressing the challenges faced by underprivileged families in Punjab. By providing financial support and facilitating mass marriages, the "Dhee Rani Program" not only helps to ease the burden of marriage expenses but also fosters a sense of community and support among families. As this program unfolds, it is hoped that it will pave the way for more such initiatives, ultimately contributing to the empowerment and upliftment of marginalized sections of society.

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