The Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme was launched on April 1, 2005, by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. This scheme provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities for their marriage, helping in their social rehabilitation.
Under this scheme, if both spouses are differently-abled, they receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000. If only one partner is differently-abled, the couple is eligible for ₹1,00,000. The application for this scheme must be submitted to the Joint Director or Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare Department of the respective district.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- ₹50,000 if both husband and wife are differently-abled.
- ₹1,00,000 if either husband or wife is differently-abled.
- Mode of Payment:
- The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through NEFT/RTGS.
- Joint Payment:
- The incentive amount is jointly payable to the couple.
- Conditions:
- The incentive can be availed only once in a lifetime.
- If the marriage is dissolved within five years without a valid reason, the entire amount will be recovered as land revenue.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- At least one partner must be a resident of Chhattisgarh.
- The applicant must have a disability of 40% or above as per the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
- The marriage should be conducted as per social customs or legally solemnized in a competent court.
- The applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
- Age Criteria:
- Bride: 18 to 45 years
- Bridegroom: 21 to 45 years
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- The application form must be submitted with a joint signature or thumb impression to the Joint Director or Deputy Director of Panchayat and Social Welfare in the respective district.
- The District Collector sanctions the incentive based on the recommendation of the Joint Director/Deputy Director.
- The application must be submitted within six months of marriage.
- The Joint Director or Deputy Director has the authority to approve or reject applications. If rejected, reasons for rejection must be provided.
- The applicant will receive a decision within 30 days from the date of application submission.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Latest color photograph of the married couple taken during the wedding ceremony.
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card).
- Domicile Certificate (to prove residence in Chhattisgarh).
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, School Certificate, etc.).
- Disability Certificate (stating 40% or above disability).
- Marriage Certificate (issued by an MP/MLA/District Panchayat Member/Sarpanch/Gazetted Officer).
- Affidavit for Bridegroom (₹10 stamp paper stating first marriage).
- Joint Affidavit of the Couple (₹50 stamp paper as per Appendix 2).
- Bank Passbook or Bank Account Details.
- Any additional documents required by authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q What is the main objective of the scheme
A The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for marriage to persons with disabilities, ensuring their social rehabilitation.
Q Who is eligible for financial assistance under this scheme
A Any differently-abled person with 40% or more disability, who is a resident of Chhattisgarh, not an income taxpayer, and has a legally solemnized marriage.
Q How much financial assistance is provided if one partner is disabled
A If either the husband or wife is differently-abled, the couple receives ₹1,00,000 as a one-time incentive.
Q What is the amount of financial assistance if both partners are disabled
A If both husband and wife are differently-abled, the couple receives ₹50,000 as a one-time incentive.
Q Is the incentive amount payable to only one person or both
A The amount is jointly payable to the couple.
Q Can the incentive amount be claimed more than once
A No, the incentive amount can only be availed once in a lifetime.
Q What happens if the marriage is dissolved within five years
A If the marriage is dissolved within five years without a valid reason, the entire amount will be recovered as land revenue.
Q What is the application process for the scheme
A The application must be submitted in offline mode to the Joint Director or Deputy Director of Panchayat and Social Welfare in the district. It should include all required documents.
Q Is there a deadline to apply for the incentive
A Yes, the application must be submitted within six months of the marriage.
Q Who sanctions the assistance amount
A The District Collector sanctions the incentive based on the recommendation of the Joint Director or Deputy Director of Panchayat and Social Welfare.
Q How long does it take for an application to be processed
A The decision of approval or rejection is communicated within 30 days of application submission.
Q How is the incentive amount disbursed to the beneficiary
A The amount is transferred directly to the couple’s bank account via NEFT/RTGS whenever possible.
Q Can a couple who are income tax payers apply for this scheme
A No, the scheme is only applicable to non-income taxpayers.