SRINAGAR: Secretary Social Welfare, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone today reviewed the progress on implementation of the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS).

Under this welfare initiative state government provides financial assistance of Rs 25000 and cost of 5 gm Gold to those marriageable girls whose families are facing dire financial constraints.

The meeting was informed that the Social Welfare Department has, during the current month, sanctioned financial assistance to the tune of Rs 10.12 crore in favor of 2568 beneficiaries under the scheme.

The newly sanctioned cases include 159 in Jammu, 27 in Ganderbal, 224 in Kishtwar, 16 in Srinagar, 100 in Kulgam 100, 131 in Udhampur, 46 in Baramulla, 41 in Doda, 351 in Anantnag 351, 90 in Bandipora, 198 in Budgam, 242 in Rajouri, 200 in Kupwara, 150 in Reasi 150, 97 in Samba, 65 in Leh 65, 285 in Shopian 285 and 146 in Pulwama.

The meeting was informed that with the fresh sanctioned cases the total number of beneficiaries under SMAS during the current year has gone up to 5056.The total financial assistance sanctioned under the scheme during this fiscal has reached Rs 19.86 crore.

Under SMAS, the state government provides a financial assistance of Rs 25000 and cost of 5 gm Gold to those marriageable girls who may not find themselves in a position to marry due to financial constraints and are included in the socio-economic survey conducted in 2011-12.