The Marriage Assistance Program for Individuals Marrying Speech and Hearing Impaired Persons is an initiative by the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu. This scheme is designed to ease the economic challenges that may arise when a person without a speech or hearing impairment chooses to marry someone who is. By providing targeted financial support and symbolic benefits, the program aims to empower couples to start their married life with financial stability and social recognition.
Benefits
- Financial Support: Provides crucial monetary assistance to offset marriage expenses.
- Enhanced Assistance: Increased benefits for couples where either partner has a degree or diploma.
- Symbolic Recognition: Awarding of an 8-gram gold coin for Tirumangalyam and a certificate of appreciation to honor the union.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- A “normal” person (one without speech or hearing impairment) must marry a person who is speech and hearing impaired.
- Both partners must be above 18 years of age.
- Couples where either partner holds a degree or diploma qualify for the increased assistance amount.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the District Differently Abled Welfare Office during office hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the designated staff.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
- Receipt of Application:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the officer, ensuring it includes the date, time, and a unique identification number for future reference.
Documents Required
- National Identity Card of both the differently abled spouse and the normal spouse.
- Marriage Certificate.
- Age Proof: Such as a Birth Certificate or School Leaving Certificate for both parties.
- Degree or Diploma Certificate: (if applicable) to avail the increased assistance benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of the marriage assistance scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to provide financial support and social recognition to individuals marrying speech and hearing impaired persons, reducing economic burdens associated with such marriages.
Q2: What is the total assistance provided under the scheme?
A2: The base assistance is ₹25,000, split equally between a National Savings Certificate and cash (cheque/Demand Draft).
Q3: How is the assistance distributed between the National Savings Certificate and cash?
A3: For the base scheme, ₹12,500 is provided as a National Savings Certificate and ₹12,500 as a cheque or Demand Draft. For eligible couples with a degree or diploma, the amounts increase to ₹25,000 each.
Q4: What additional items are provided along with the assistance?
A4: Beneficiaries receive a certificate of appreciation and an 8-gram gold coin for Tirumangalyam.
Q5: What is the increased assistance amount for those holding a degree or diploma?
A5: The assistance increases to ₹50,000 in total (with ₹25,000 as a National Savings Certificate and ₹25,000 as cash).
Q6: Who is eligible to receive the marriage assistance?
A6: The scheme is available to individuals marrying a speech and hearing impaired person, where the normal person marries the differently abled partner.
Q7: What is the minimum age requirement for the couple?
A7: Both partners must be above 18 years of age.
Q8: Where can one obtain the prescribed application form?
A8: The form is available at the District Differently Abled Welfare Office.
Q9: What documents need to be submitted along with the application?
A9: Required documents include National Identity Cards of both partners, the Marriage Certificate, age proof for both, and a Degree/Diploma certificate (if applicable).
Q10: Who is the designated officer for receiving the application?
A10: Applications must be submitted to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
Q11: Where can grievances related to the scheme be addressed?
A11: Grievances can be addressed at the District Differently Abled Welfare Office. Specific contact details can be obtained from the office or the Citizen’s Charter.
Q12: Is there any deadline for submitting the application?
A12: The scheme guidelines do not specify a deadline; however, applicants should submit the application as early as possible after marriage.
Q13: Can the assistance be availed multiple times?
A13: No, the assistance is provided per marriage under the scheme.
Q14: Are there any income criteria for eligibility?
A14: The scheme does not specify any income criteria; it focuses on the disability status and educational qualifications.
Q15: Is there any provision for pre-marriage counseling?
A15: Pre-marriage counseling provisions are not mentioned in the scheme details.
Q16: Are there any conditions regarding the wedding ceremony?
A16: The scheme does not impose specific conditions on the wedding ceremony beyond the application requirements.
Q17: Can the assistance be used for other purposes besides marriage expenses?
A17: The assistance is specifically earmarked for marriage-related expenses as per the scheme guidelines.