The “Incentive for Encouraging Inter-Caste Marriages” scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, with joint funding from the State and Central Government (50:50). This initiative is aimed at promoting social harmony and eradicating untouchability by providing financial incentives for inter-caste marriages. The scheme specifically supports marriages between Savarna Hindus (including Hindu, Jain, Lingayat, and Sikh communities) and individuals from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, Nomadic Castes, and Special Backward Classes. Both the bride and the groom must be permanent residents of Maharashtra.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
A total of ₹50,000/- is provided as a joint draft in the names of both spouses.
Eligibility
- Residency:
Both the bride and the bridegroom must be permanent residents of Maharashtra. - Community Criteria:
- One spouse must belong to the Savarna, Hindu, Lingayat, Jain, or Sikh community.
- The other spouse must belong to one of the following communities: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Vimukta Jati (denoted tribe), Nomadic Tribe, or Special Backward Class.
- Age Requirement:
- The male spouse must be at least 21 years old.
- The female spouse must be at least 18 years old.
Application Process
The application process is conducted offline:
- Visit the Office:
- The interested applicant should visit the concerned District Social Welfare Office during office hours. (For applicants in Mumbai City or Mumbai Suburbs, the Social Welfare Office in Chembur should be approached.)
- Obtain and Fill the Application Form:
- Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
- Complete all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested if required).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents within the prescribed period (if any) to the concerned authority.
- Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the office, ensuring that it contains the date and time of submission and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Application Form:
The duly filled and signed form. - Caste Certificates:
Both partners must provide their caste certificates. - Proof of Permanent Residency:
Documents proving that both the bride and groom are permanent residents of Maharashtra. - Age Proof:
School leaving certificates or other valid documents showing the groom is at least 21 years old and the bride is at least 18 years old. - Joint Photograph:
A recent photograph of the couple together. - Recommendation Letters:
Two letters from respected individuals attesting to the marriage. - Bank Details:
Joint bank account details in both spouses’ names. - ID Proofs:
Government-issued identification for both applicants (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID). - Income Certificate:
Income proof, if applicable, to meet any scheme-specific income criteria. - Acknowledgment Receipt:
To be received from the office upon submission of the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the purpose of the scheme?
The scheme is designed to promote inter-caste marriages and social integration while eradicating untouchability by providing financial incentives. -
Who funds this scheme?
It is jointly funded by the State and Central Government on a 50:50 basis. -
Who is eligible for this scheme?
The scheme is available to couples where one spouse belongs to the Savarna, Hindu, Lingayat, Jain, or Sikh community, and the other belongs to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, Nomadic Castes, or Special Backward Classes. Both partners must be permanent residents of Maharashtra. -
Is residency in Maharashtra required?
Yes, both the bride and the groom must be permanent residents of Maharashtra. -
What is the age requirement for the couple?
The male spouse must be at least 21 years old, and the female spouse must be at least 18 years old. -
What documents are needed?
Required documents include the application form, caste certificates, permanent residency proof, age proofs, a joint photograph, recommendation letters, joint bank account details, government-issued ID proofs, and an income certificate if applicable. -
How much financial assistance is provided?
The scheme provides a financial assistance of ₹50,000/- in the form of a joint draft issued in the names of both spouses. -
Where should the application be submitted?
The application should be submitted to the concerned District Social Welfare Office (or the Social Welfare Office in Chembur for Mumbai City/Suburbs). -
Do both partners need to provide caste certificates?
Yes, both the bride and the bridegroom must provide their respective caste certificates.