The “Dr. Savitaben Ambedkar Inter Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme” is implemented by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare under the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. This scheme is part of social empowerment efforts to address inequality by encouraging marriages between individuals from Scheduled Castes of Hinduism and those from castes other than Scheduled Castes within Hinduism. Under the scheme, the couple is provided financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/- to support their marriage. It is a centrally sponsored initiative with a 50% contribution from both the state and central governments.
Benefits
- Total Assistance:
The couple receives a total financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/-. - Breakup of Assistance:
- ₹1,00,000/- for domestic expenses and for purchasing household appliances.
- ₹1,50,000/- in the form of National Savings Certificates issued jointly in the names of the married couple.
Eligibility
- Residency and Community:
- One person of the couple must be a native of Gujarat.
- One person must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Application Timeline:
- The marriage must be registered, and the application for assistance must be made within two years of the marriage.
- Parental Residency:
- The parents of the inter-caste marriage couple must have been residing in Gujarat for at least five years.
- Additional Requirement for Non-SC Applicants:
- Any person from a caste other than Scheduled Caste who is a migrant must furnish a certificate confirming that they are not an “untouchable” in their previous province/state and that they practice Hinduism.
- Widow/Remarriage Clause:
- Assistance is also available to a widower or a widow who does not have children and remarries.
- Income:
- There is no income limit for eligibility.
Application Process
Online Process
- Registration:
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal.
- Under the ‘Citizen Login’ tab, click on “New User – Please Register Here”.
- Enter your details including full name (as per Aadhaar), gender, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email ID, caste, etc., and then click “Register”.
- User Profile Update:
- Log in using your User ID and password.
- Click on “User Profile” and update all mandatory information.
- Application Form Submission:
- Select the scheme from the home page; an application form will open.
- Fill in all mandatory fields and upload the required documents.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and click “Save Application”.
- Submit the application and print a copy for future reference. Note your application number to track status by logging in again.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant.
- Caste Certificate.
- Documents related to divorce (if applicable, when the applicant was married at the time of marriage).
- Proof of death (if applicable, when the applicant was a widower/widow at the time of marriage).
- Proof of divorce (if applicable).
- School Leaving Certificate of the applicant.
- Proof of Residence (one of: Electricity Bill, Licence, Lease Agreement, Electoral Card, or Ration Card).
- Certificate of marriage registration.
- Copy of the first page of Bank Passbook or a Cancelled Cheque (in the name of the applicant).
- Declaration Form to be submitted at the time of receiving the Marriage Registration Certificate (Marriage Statement Form).
- Any other documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides a total financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/- to the inter-caste marriage couple. -
How is the financial assistance distributed?
₹1,00,000/- is provided for domestic expenses and purchasing household appliances, and ₹1,50,000/- is given as National Savings Certificates in the joint name of the couple. -
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
One person of the couple must be from the Scheduled Caste category and one must be a native of Gujarat. Additionally, the marriage must be registered and the application made within two years of the marriage; parental residency requirements also apply. -
Is there a time limit for applying under this scheme?
Yes, applications must be made within two years from the date of marriage. -
What is the residency requirement for the parents of the inter-caste marriage couple?
The parents must have been residing in Gujarat for at least five years. -
Is assistance available for widowers or widows who remarry?
Yes, if a widower or a widow without children remarries, they are eligible for assistance under this scheme. -
Is there an income limit for eligibility?
No, there is no income limit. -
Where can eligible applicants apply for the scheme?
Applications are submitted online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal. -
Is the scheme only applicable to residents of Gujarat?
Yes, one person of the couple must be a native of Gujarat, and parental residency is also required. -
Can individuals from other religions apply for this scheme?
The scheme is specific to inter-caste marriages within Hinduism, where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste and the other to a caste other than Scheduled Caste.