The Punjab government has approved a major expansion of its flagship Dhee Rani Program, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 3,000 to 5,000 across the province.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also sanctioned a significant hike in financial assistance under the scheme, doubling the cash grant from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000 per beneficiary. The move aims to provide stronger financial relief to underprivileged families at the time of marriage.

For the financial year 2025–26, the Punjab Finance Department has allocated a total budget of Rs1.70 billion for the programme. The expansion plan and revised financial structure have been formally approved by the Project Steering Committee, clearing the way for wider implementation.

However, vendor payments worth Rs660 million could not be accommodated within the allocated budget. Officials said outstanding bills related to the programme’s media campaign will be settled during the current financial year.

The Finance Department has directed that all advertising and promotional activities for the Dhee Rani Program be carried out through the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR). An estimated Rs50 million will be spent on branding and organising Dhee Rani ceremonies in all 36 districts of Punjab.

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In addition, Rs8 million has been earmarked for issuing Bank of Punjab (BOP) cards to facilitate payments for 5,000 marriages during 2025–26.

Meanwhile, a proposal seeking an extra Rs223 million was rejected. Authorities confirmed that the programme will be completed within the approved Rs1.70 billion budget.