The Financial Assistance for Marriage of Poor Scheduled Caste Brides scheme, introduced by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry, is designed to support economically disadvantaged Scheduled Caste families. The objective is to provide financial aid to poor parents for the marriage of their daughters, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the solemnization of their first marriage.
Benefits
- Monetary Support: Each eligible family receives ₹15,000 per daughter for the marriage.
- Focused Assistance: Benefits are exclusively available for the marriage of poor Scheduled Caste brides.
- Legal Compliance: The scheme encourages the registration of marriages, promoting legal and formal proceedings.
- Empowerment: Financial aid aims to alleviate economic pressures on families, enabling a dignified matrimonial celebration.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Citizenship: The parent/guardian of the bride must be a citizen of India.
- Caste Requirement: The parent/guardian should belong to the Scheduled Caste.
- Residency: The applicant must be a native of Puducherry.
- Marriage Conditions:
- Assistance is provided only for the first marriage.
- The marriage must be legally registered.
- Financial support is available for a maximum of two daughters per family.
- Application Timing: The application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the marriage.
- Income Criteria: The annual income of the parent/guardian should not exceed ₹2,00,000.
- Exclusivity: The applicant should not be receiving financial assistance from any other source.
- Legal and Age Requirements:
- The marriage should be performed in accordance with the law.
- The bride must be at least 18 years of age.
- The bridegroom must be at least 21 years of age.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- Visit the e-District Portal: Go to the official website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
- Login & Registration:
- Click on “Login” at the top right corner.
- For new users, click “Register a New Membership”.
- Fill in all mandatory fields including Username, Password, Personal Details (Full Name, First Name, Email Address, Address, Current Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number). Agree to the declaration, complete the Captcha, and click “Signup”.
- Login to Your Account:
- Once registered, log in by providing your Username and Password, along with the Captcha code, then click “Sign In”.
- Access the Scheme:
- On the dashboard, a list of schemes by the Government of Puducherry is displayed department-wise.
- Select the Financial Assistance for Marriage of Poor Scheduled Caste Brides scheme to access its online application form.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk).
- Upload all required documents (self-attested if required).
- Submit Application:
- Tick the declaration stating, “I hereby declare that the above-mentioned details are true and correct as per the best of my knowledge.”
- Submit the application and note down the application number for tracking. The application number will also be sent to your registered mobile number and email address.
- Track Your Application:
- Use the provided link or option on the portal to track the status of your application.
Documents Required
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate or Transfer Certificate (TC) of the Bride
- Birth Certificate or TC of the Bridegroom
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Marriage Invitation
- Marriage Registration Certificate
- Ration Card
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph of the Bride
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph of the Bridegroom
- Voter Card
- First-Time Marriage Certificate (obtained from MP/MLA/Commissioner of Municipality/Commune Panchayat)
- Bank Account Details of the applicant
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a specific authority from which the first-time marriage certificate should be obtained?
A1: Yes, the certificate should be obtained from the relevant authority such as the MP, MLA, Commissioner of Municipality, or Commune Panchayat.
Q2: Are there any restrictions on the source of financial assistance for the applicant?
A2: Yes, the applicant must not be receiving financial assistance from any other source.
Q3: Can the financial assistance be availed for subsequent marriages?
A3: No, the scheme only provides assistance for the first marriage of the bride.
Q4: When should the application for financial assistance be submitted?
A4: The application should be submitted 30 days prior to the date of the marriage.
Q5: Is there an age requirement for the bride and groom to qualify for this scheme?
A5: Yes, the bride must be at least 18 years old and the bridegroom at least 21 years old.
Q6: How many daughters per family are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme?
A6: Assistance is available for the marriage of up to two daughters per family.
Q7: Is there any application fee?
A7: There is no application fee for this scheme.
Q8: Is there any compensation for the delay in the disbursal of the scheme benefits?
A8: For details on compensation regarding any delays, please refer to the official guidelines or contact the department directly.
Q9: Can applicants from neighboring states/UTs also apply to this scheme?
A9: No, the applicant must be a native of Puducherry to be eligible for the scheme.