Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme: Big news for couples. Intercaste marriages are still not common in India. Often, social restrictions and family disapproval are often met with. People are often held back from marriage due to economic or social pressure. However, in Rajasthan, the state government is encouraging it, allowing young people to marry without fear.
The Rajasthan government has launched the Dr. Savita Ben Ambedkar Scheme to promote intercaste marriages. Its aim is to promote social harmony and break down caste barriers. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh is provided to a Scheduled Caste man or woman who marries an upper caste Hindu partner.
Under this scheme, a Rs 10 lakh assistance is provided in splits. Rs 5 lakh is invested in an FD for eight years, and the remaining Rs 5 lakh is deposited directly into the couple’s joint bank account. This facilitates the start of a marriage and provides financial security.
To avail the benefits of the scheme, applicants must log in to the Social Justice and Empowerment Department website using their SSO ID. Then, go to the Citizen section and click on the SJMS Application link. Fill in all the information correctly in the form that opens and upload the required documents.
It should be noted that benefits under the scheme are available only if the boy or girl belongs to the Dalit community and is a resident of Rajasthan. Both of them must not be more than 35 years old. Furthermore, the couple’s combined annual income must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh.
The application should include Aadhaar card of both the boy and the girl, birth certificate, caste certificate (of SC partner), residence certificate, passport size photo, marriage photo/proof, identity cards of witnesses, registered marriage certificate, joint bank account and declaration that this is the first marriage.
Both parties must also have Aadhaar cards and a joint account. Applications must be made within one month of the wedding. If the marriage takes place outside Rajasthan, a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh is available. The marriage must be voluntary and without coercion. If the application is fraudulent, the amount can be withdrawn.