The Grant of Marriage Allowance to the Widow’s Daughter (GMAWD) is a financial assistance scheme launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry. This initiative aims to support widows by providing funds to cover marriage expenses for their daughters. The scheme not only helps ease the financial burden associated with marriage but also promotes the welfare and empowerment of underprivileged families in Puducherry.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- A lump sum of ₹25,000 is provided to the legal heir (widow) to support the marriage of her daughter.
- Empowerment:
- By reducing the financial burden, the scheme empowers widows and their families, enhancing their social and economic security.
- Eligibility Specificity:
- The scheme is designed exclusively for the first marriage of the daughter, ensuring focused assistance.
Eligibility
- For the Widow (Applicant):
- Must be a widow with an annual income not exceeding ₹75,000.
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be a native of Puducherry by birth or have a continuous residence in the Union Territory for 5 years or more.
- For the Marriage:
- The allowance applies only to the first marriage of the daughter.
- The marriage must be legally registered and conducted according to the law.
- The bride must be above 18 years of age.
- The bridegroom must be above 21 years of age.
- Additional Requirement:
- The scheme is applicable for the marriage of one daughter only per eligible widow.
Application Process
Offline and Online Submission Options
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Offline: Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Women and Child Development in Puducherry during office hours to request a hard copy of the application form from the designated staff.
- Online: Alternatively, the form can be downloaded from the official portal (refer to the Citizen’s Charter or contact the office for the online link).
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields in the prescribed format.
- Affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach copies of all necessary documents (self-attested where required).
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer at least 30 days before the proposed marriage date.
- Receipt:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable) from the concerned authority.
Documents Required
- Residence Certificate: Issued by the Revenue Department.
- Income Certificate: Issued by the Revenue Department.
- Marriage Invitation: Proof of the upcoming marriage.
- Birth Certificate/Transfer Certificate (TC): For the bride.
- Birth Certificate/TC: For the bridegroom.
- Death Certificate: Of the bride’s father.
- Marriage Registration Certificate: To be submitted within 60 days after marriage.
- Aadhaar Cards: For both the widow and her daughter.
- Caste Certificate: (Required for Scheduled Castes/Tribes and Other Backward Classes).
- Ration Card.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: Of the applicant (widow).
- Voter ID Card: For the bride.
- Voter ID Card: For the applicant (widow).
In the absence of an Aadhaar number, provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo.
- PAN Card.
- Passport.
- Ration Card.
- Voter Identity Card.
- MGNREGA Card.
- Kisan Photo Passbook.
- Driving License.
- Certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar.
- Any other document as specified by the Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a specific format for the application form that offline applicants need to follow?
A1: Yes, a prescribed format is provided by the Department of Women and Child Development, which must be followed.
Q2: Are there any additional requirements for the marriage to be eligible for the allowance?
A2: The marriage must be legally registered and conducted in accordance with the law, and it must be the first marriage of the daughter.
Q3: What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme for marriage expenses?
A3: The scheme provides ₹25,000 as financial assistance for marriage expenses.
Q4: Can applicants submit the online application without registering on the e-District Portal?
A4: Ensure you follow the online registration process as directed by the official guidelines; registration on the e-District Portal may be required if specified.
Q5: Is there a specific time frame for submitting the filled application form for offline applicants?
A5: Yes, the application form must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the proposed marriage date.
Q6: Is there a maximum limit on the number of daughters for whom the widow can avail the allowance?
A6: Yes, the allowance is granted for the marriage of only one daughter per eligible widow.
Q7: Can applicants request a hard copy of the application form for offline submission?
A7: Yes, interested applicants can request a hard copy from the Department of Women and Child Development.
Q8: Are online applications available for the scheme, and what are the key steps for submission?
A8: Yes, online applications are available. Key steps include downloading the form, filling in the details, attaching necessary documents, and submitting the form through the designated online portal.
Q9: Is there a specific age requirement for both the bride and groom to be eligible for the allowance?
A9: Yes, the bride must be above 18 years and the groom above 21 years.
Q10: Can widows with an annual income exceeding ₹75,000 apply for the scheme?
A10: No, only widows with an annual income not exceeding ₹75,000 are eligible.
Q11: What is the purpose of the “Grant of Marriage Allowance to the Widow’s Daughter” scheme?
A11: The scheme aims to provide financial support to widows for the marriage expenses of their daughter, thereby enhancing social security and reducing the economic burden on underprivileged families in Puducherry.