The Annai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls-I is an initiative by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. This scheme is dedicated to providing financial support to orphan girls to help them marry with dignity. The assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with marriage and to empower orphan brides by facilitating their transition into a new phase of life.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: A grant of ₹25,000/- is provided to support marriage expenses.
- Gold Coin: One sovereign (8gm) 22-carat gold coin is offered for the Thirumangalyam ritual.
- Electronic Disbursal: Funds are disbursed directly via Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) for transparency and efficiency.
Eligibility
- Gender: The applicant must be a girl.
- Orphan Status: The applicant should be an orphan.
- Age Requirement: The bride must be 18 years or above at the time of marriage.
Application Process
Online – Via CSCs
- Gather Documents: Collect copies of all necessary documents required for the application.
- Visit a CSC: Go to the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and complete the biometric verification process.
- Complete Application Form: Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload copies of the required documents in the application form.
- Acknowledge Submission: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the CSC that includes the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Offline
Applicants may also apply offline following similar steps by visiting designated centers.
Application Deadline:
The application must be submitted 40 days before the marriage date. In exceptional circumstances, applications can be submitted one day before the marriage.
Documents Required
- Death Certificate of Father & Mother or Orphan Certificate issued by a Member of Parliament (MP) or a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
- Income Certificate from the Tahsildar.
- Marriage Invitation.
- Age Proof of the bride.
- Bride’s Photograph.
- Bills towards the Purchase of Marriage Articles for ₹1,000/-.
- Any other document as required by the Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the objective of the Annai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls?
A1: The scheme aims to financially assist orphan girls for their marriage, enabling them to marry with dignity and facilitating their social and economic empowerment.
Q2: What assistance is provided under the scheme?
A2: The scheme provides a financial grant of ₹25,000/- along with one sovereign (8gm) 22-carat gold coin for making the Thirumangalyam.
Q3: Is there an income limit for eligibility?
A3: The scheme does not specify an income limit for eligibility.
Q4: What is the time limit for submitting an application before the marriage date?
A4: Applications must be submitted 40 days before the marriage date. In exceptional circumstances, submissions up to one day before the marriage are accepted.
Q5: Who should be contacted for assistance regarding this scheme?
A5: Applicants can contact the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department or their nearest Common Service Center (CSC) for guidance and assistance.
Q6: What is the probable time limit for processing applications?
A6: Processing times may vary; it is advisable to inquire with the relevant department or CSC at the time of application.
Q7: Will applications submitted after the marriage date be accepted?
A7: No, applications submitted after the marriage date will not be accepted.
Q8: Where should grievances be reported at the district level?
A8: Grievances should be reported at the district office of the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department.
Q9: Where should grievances be reported at the state level?
A9: State-level grievances can be directed to the higher authorities of the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu.
Q10: Is there any provision for extending the time limit for submitting applications in exceptional circumstances?
A10: Yes, in exceptional circumstances, the application can be submitted one day before the marriage date.
Q11: Are there any penalties for late submission of applications?
A11: Late submissions are not accepted, and applications submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected.