Launched in 2018 by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha, this scheme aims to promote inclusive marriages by providing financial incentives for the marriage of a person with a benchmark disability (with a disability percentage of 40% or above) with a person without such disability. The scheme is designed to help individuals with disabilities lead normal, dignified lives and to encourage societal acceptance by easing the financial burden associated with marriage. The incentive also fulfills mandates under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the National Trust Act, 1999.
Benefits
- Incentive Amount:
A fixed incentive of ₹2,50,000 is provided per eligible marriage. - Disbursement Mechanism:
The incentive is disbursed via the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and is locked for 3 years.- Withdrawal Phases:
- 10% after 6 months
- 10% after one year
- The remaining 80% after successful completion of 3 years of marriage
- Withdrawal Phases:
- Joint Withdrawal:
The funds can be withdrawn with the joint signature of both spouses.
Eligibility
- Age Requirements:
The bridegroom must be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18 years old at the time of marriage. - Residency:
Both spouses must be residents of Odisha. - Disability Criterion:
The incentive is applicable if one of the spouses has a benchmark disability (40% or above). - Dowry-Free Marriage:
The marriage must be dowry free. - One-Time Benefit:
Neither spouse should have availed the incentive award under this scheme before. - Duplication Clause:
Beneficiaries qualifying under multiple departments (e.g., ST & SC Development, Minorities, Backward Class Welfare, and the Department of SSEPD) must choose to avail the benefit under only one department to avoid duplication.
Exclusions
- Applicants who fraudulently avail or attempt to avail the scheme after already receiving benefits are subject to legal action, including imprisonment (up to two years) or fines (up to ₹1,00,000), or both, as prescribed under Section 91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- In the event of divorce or dissolution of the marriage within 3 to 5 years from the receipt of the first installment (10%), the spouse without the disability must refund 50% of the total incentive amount as arrears of land revenue within one year, failing which the principal amount with 6.5% annual interest will be charged.
Application Process
Online
- Access the Portal:
- Visit the official website of the Department of SSEPD at https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in/.
- Navigate to the Section:
- In the “Beneficiary Services” section, click on “Marriage Incentive.”
- Fill the Application Form:
- Complete the online application form, including entering the UDID Certificate Number.
- Upload the signatures of both spouses.
- Submit the application form.
- Print Confirmation:
- A system-generated application form will be produced for record-keeping.
Documents Required
- Disability Certificate:
Issued by the District Medical Board as notified by the Government. - Marriage Registration Certificate:
Issued by the competent registration authority. - Joint Passport-Size Photograph:
Self-attested. - Residential Certificate:
Issued by the Tahsildar or any other authentic proof of residence. - Joint Bank Account Details:
Aadhaar-linked, with bank authorization for electronic fund transfer through IFMS. - Proof of Aadhaar Application (if applicable):
For applicants without Aadhaar, a proof of application must be submitted; Aadhaar seeding will be expedited.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Award of Incentive for Marriage Between Persons with Benchmark Disabilities & Other Person” Scheme?
It is a financial incentive scheme in Odisha to promote inclusive marriages by providing ₹2,50,000 to couples where one spouse has a benchmark disability (40% or above). - Who is eligible for this scheme?
A marriage between a person with a benchmark disability and another person is eligible, provided the bridegroom is at least 21 and the bride at least 18, both are residents of Odisha, and the marriage is dowry free. - What are benchmark disabilities?
Benchmark disabilities refer to disabilities with a disability percentage of 40% or above as per the relevant disability assessment guidelines. - What is the amount of incentive provided under this scheme?
The incentive is fixed at ₹2,50,000. - Is there any income criteria to be eligible?
No specific income criteria are mentioned for this scheme. - Is this scheme available to residents of all districts in Odisha?
Yes, it is available statewide. - What documents are required to apply for this scheme?
Required documents include the Disability Certificate, Marriage Registration Certificate, joint passport-size photographs, Residential Certificate, and joint bank account details. - How long does it take for the application to be processed?
Processing times vary; refer to the official website for estimated timelines. - Can a person with benchmark disability marry another person with benchmark disability and still be eligible?
Yes, the scheme applies when one spouse has a benchmark disability. - Can a person with a benchmark disability who is already receiving a pension apply for this scheme?
Yes, provided they have not availed this specific incentive before. - Can a person who is not a resident of Odisha apply for this scheme?
No, both spouses must be permanent residents of Odisha. - Is there any limit on the number of applications that can be accepted under this scheme?
Each couple can avail of the incentive only once; repeat claims are not permitted.