The Inter-caste Marriage Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is designed to promote inter-caste marriages and encourage social integration by breaking down caste barriers. Under this scheme, eligible couples receive financial assistance of up to Rs.50,000 to support various aspects of their married life, such as household expenses or the education of children.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Eligible couples can receive up to Rs.50,000 in total. - Disbursement:
The amount is disbursed in two installments:- An initial installment of Rs.50,000 at the time of marriage registration.
- A further fixed amount is released as per the department’s notification.
- Usage Flexibility:
The funds can be utilized for household expenses, educational purposes for children, or any other need as decided by the couple.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Residency:
Either the bride or the groom should be a resident of Himachal Pradesh. - Caste Requirement:
The couple must belong to different castes. - Marriage Registration:
The marriage must be registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. - Income Limit:
The combined annual income of the couple should not exceed Rs.5 lakh.
Application Process
The application process for the Inter-caste Marriage Scheme is conducted offline:
- Marriage Registration:
- The couple must first register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
- Obtain the Application Form:
- After marriage registration, the application form can be obtained from the District Social Welfare Office or downloaded from the official website.
- Fill and Submit:
- Complete the application form with all required details and attach the necessary documents.
- Submit the application form and documents to the District Social Welfare Office.
- Verification and Disbursal:
- Upon verification of the submitted documents, the eligible couples will receive the financial assistance.
Documents Required
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate of the couple.
- Caste Certificates of the couple.
- Age Certificates of the couple.
- Marriage Certificate.
- No Objection Certificate from the concerned district (if either partner belongs to another district).
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible for the Inter-caste Marriage Scheme of Himachal Pradesh?
The scheme is available to couples where either the bride or the groom is a Himachal Pradesh resident, and the couple belongs to different castes with a registered marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The combined income of the couple should not exceed Rs.5 lakh per annum. -
What benefits are provided under the scheme?
Eligible couples receive financial assistance of up to Rs.50,000, disbursed in two installments. -
Can a couple apply for the scheme after their marriage?
Yes, the scheme is applicable post marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. -
What is the application process for the scheme?
After registering their marriage, couples must obtain and fill out the application form from the District Social Welfare Office or the official website and submit it along with the required documents. -
What documents are required for the scheme?
Required documents include Bonafide Himachali Certificate, caste and age certificates of the couple, marriage certificate, and a No Objection Certificate (if applicable). -
Can the financial assistance be used for purposes other than marriage expenses?
The funds are flexible and can be used for household expenses, education of children, or any other purpose deemed necessary by the couple. -
What is the purpose of the Inter-caste Marriage Scheme?
The scheme aims to promote inter-caste marriages, break down caste barriers, and foster social harmony within the state.