The scheme “Financial Assistance for the Marriage of Daughters of Poor Widows and Orphan Girls” is a welfare initiative by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Designed to empower economically disadvantaged families, this scheme provides one-time financial aid to poor widows and guardians of orphan girls for the marriage of their daughters—up to two per family. Originally administered by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, the responsibility for this scheme was transferred to the Social Welfare Department from the financial year 2006-07.
Benefits
- One-Time Grant: A financial assistance of ₹30,000 is provided per daughter, up to a maximum of two daughters.
- Direct Benefit: The assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Daughter Limit: Financial assistance is available for the marriage of up to two daughters only.
- Residence: The applicant must have been a resident of Delhi for a minimum of 5 years before the date of application.
- Income Criteria: The total annual income of the applicant should be less than ₹1,00,000 from all sources (including rent, interest/dividends, earnings from farm, or property sale proceeds).
- Aadhaar Requirement: The applicant must possess an Aadhaar number and maintain a single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account with any bank in the NCT of Delhi.
- Exclusivity: Applicants should not be receiving any other financial assistance from the discretionary funds of the Lt. Governor or the Chief Minister of Delhi for the same purpose.
- Age of the Bride: The girl whose marriage is to be solemnized must be a major (i.e., above 18 years of age).
- Application Timeline: The application must be submitted within a period of sixty days, either before or after the marriage date.
Application Process
Online Process
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User Registration:
- Visit: Log on to the e-District portal (Delhi).
- Under Citizen Corner, click “New User”.
- Select your document type (Aadhaar or Voter ID) and enter the relevant number.
- Complete the captcha and fill in the Citizen Registration Form with your residential details.
- Submit the form to receive your Login ID and Password on your registered mobile number or email.
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Applying for the Scheme:
- Login using your credentials.
- Click on “Apply Online” from the main page.
- In the drop-down menu, select the Department of Women & Child Development.
- From the list of available schemes, choose Financial Assistance for the Marriage of Daughters of Poor Widows and Orphan Girls.
- Verify your BASIC/PERSONAL DETAILS FORM and click “Continue”.
- Fill in all required fields and upload the necessary documents.
- Upload your photograph, click “Finish”, and verify with the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- An acknowledgment of successful submission will be generated.
Offline Process
- Applicants may also submit a printed application along with the required documents at designated offices as specified by the Department of Women & Child Development in Delhi.
Documents Required
- Recommendation Letter: A recommendation from the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or the Member of Parliament (MP) of the concerned area.
- Proof of Widowhood: For widow applicants, a copy of the death certificate of her husband issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths.
- Residence Proof: A copy of the ration card, voter identity card, or any other acceptable proof of residence.
- Income Declaration: A self-declaration regarding the applicant’s income.
- Proof of Age: School leaving certificate or date of birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths for the girl.
- Orphan Proof:
- For an orphan girl, an affidavit on stamp paper attested by a Metropolitan or Executive Magistrate/Notary or a certificate from a Gazetted Officer stating her orphan status.
- For a girl brought up by a guardian/foster parent, an affidavit from the guardian confirming her status.
- Marriage Invitation Card: For the marriage for which financial assistance is sought.
- Self-Declaration: A declaration stating that no other financial assistance has been received from any government or non-government agency for this purpose.
- Aadhaar Card: Copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card.
- Residence Proof: Documentation confirming the last 5-year residence in Delhi.
- Bank Details:
- A single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account (in Delhi only).
- Bank passbook/statement for the last year.
- SC/ST or Minority Documents:
- For SC/ST applicants, a caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
- For minority applicants, a self-declaration of religion duly verified by the religious institution.
- Photographs: One passport-size photograph of the applicant and one photograph from the marriage ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is an Aadhaar number necessary for applying?
A1: Yes, possession of an Aadhaar number is mandatory.
Q2: What type of bank account is required?
A2: The applicant must have a single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account in the NCT of Delhi.
Q3: What documents are required for residential proof?
A3: Acceptable documents include a ration card, voter identity card, or any government-approved proof of residence, showing a minimum of 5 years in Delhi.
Q4: What documents prove the age of the girl?
A4: A school leaving certificate or a date of birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths is required.
Q5: Can non-residents of Delhi apply?
A5: No, the applicant must be a resident of Delhi with a minimum of 5 years of residence.
Q6: Is there any annual income limit for eligibility?
A6: Yes, the total annual income of the applicant should be less than ₹1,00,000.
Q7: What is the quantum of financial assistance?
A7: The scheme provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹30,000 per daughter, up to two daughters.
Q8: Is any recommendation required?
A8: Yes, a recommendation from the local MLA or MP is required.
Q9: What verification is necessary before disbursement?
A9: Documents are scrutinized by the local authorities (Gram Panchayat/Designated Office) before approval and disbursement.
Q10: How can I update my bank account or address details?
A10: Specific procedures are available on the e-District portal. Check the FAQ section on the portal for details.
Q11: What are the penalties for using forged documents?
A11: There are strict provisions for punishment if any forged documents are detected during the verification process.
Q12: What is the timeline for application acceptance/rejection and payment?
A12: The prescribed timeline is mentioned in the official guidelines; applicants are advised to refer to the e-District portal for updates.
Q13: How can I check my Aadhaar linking status?
A13: Applicants can check their Aadhaar linking status through the e-District portal or via the UIDAI website.