Chandigarh, Nov. 14 -- In the wake of alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs.31.62 lakh in the implementation of the Ashirwad Scheme in Amritsar district, the Punjab government has ordered a statewide verification of financial assistance disbursed under the welfare programme. Social justice, empowerment and minorities minister Baljit Kaur asserted that there would be zero tolerance towards corruption and misuse of public funds. He said chief minister Bhagwant Mann-led government had provided financial assistance of more than Rs.1,164 crore to 2.86 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme to support the wedding of women from economically weaker families. Taking serious note of 62 cases of alleged irregularities reported in Amritsar, involving Rs.31.62 lakh, the department had conducted an inquiry into the matter. Departmental action has already been initiated against officials found responsible after the completion of the inquiry, she said. To plug loopholes, the department has directed officials to verify financial assistance released to beneficiaries across all districts in the state....